Three university chancellors recently discussed the effects of the new anti-DEI law in Texas, specifically as it pertains to the hiring process. According to an article from September 24, some who believe that the new law has harmed the process gave their opinion at the recent Texas Tribune Festival.
According to a Texas Tribune article, during The Texas Tribune Festival, three university chancellors discussed how Senate Bill 17, set to take effect next year, is affecting their hiring efforts as they comply with the law, which requires the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices from publicly-funded college campuses.
Texas Republicans have criticized DEI offices and programs, alleging that they promote left-wing ideology and prioritize diversity over merit in hiring decisions. However, critics argue that the new law represents a setback for higher education in Texas. They contend that DEI initiatives contribute to increased enrollment among underrepresented student populations and facilitate the hiring of employees from more diverse backgrounds at universities.
According to the NAACP article, there were several noteworthy comments in light of this situation from not only the chancellors, but others as well. Ruth Simmons, the President's Distinguished Fellow at Rice University as well as adviser to the president of Harvard University on HBCU initiatives, said, "DEI initiatives aren't important for only one specific group of people; they benefit all of us." She said that programs designed to assist women, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and others are about to be removed from the university system.
Chancellor Tedd Mitchell of Texas Tech University System said universities need to prioritize helping their students, despite the new law against DEI. He said, “Our charge is to develop young men and women. And so that happens whether you have DEI or not. We have to look internally at what it is that we're doing day in and day out to make sure that every child that comes under our care feels like they are in an environment that is welcoming and supportive for them.”