‘Stop the purge’: UT Austin DEI rally, outcry as employees laid off look for work
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After the firing of dozens of University of Texas at Austin employees, groups are speaking out about the closing of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices on university campuses statewide.
Sources: At least 20 UT employees linked to DEI to lose their jobs
Senate Bill 17 went into effect in January, banning DEI efforts on public university and college campuses across Texas.
On Monday, students, staff and community leaders will hold an event called “Rally for Our UT: Stop the Purge” to shed light on what they believe is unjust.
“On April 2, 2024, UT Austin abruptly fired more than 60 staff because they had been formerly associated with the DEI office and programs. This leaves the staff unemployed as of July and deeply impacts a wide range of programs that serve our campus community.
UT had gone through these programs and roles with a fine-tooth comb to comply with SB 17 when it went into effect on January 1. These terminations appear to be in retaliation against staff for their prior roles DEI programs and trainings. The vast majority of the fired workers were people of color and women.
The Texas State Employees Union
The rally is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on UT Austin’s Campus in the West Mall in front of the tower.
A variety of speakers are expected to share remarks:
Gary Bledsoe, President of Texas NAACP
Rick Levy, President of Texas AFL-CIO
Karma Chavez, Member of TSEU and AAUP, UT Austin Professor
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