Republican State Sen. Brandon Creighton discusses the law he authored to close DEI departments at public universities, resulting in layoffs at the University of Texas at Austin and cancellation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Key Points
State law mandates closure of DEI offices and prohibits DEI statements
Critics argue DEI programs are discriminatory, while supporters see them as addressing systemic inequities
Students express disappointment and outrage over the impact on marginalized groups
Pros
Compliance with state law
Shift towards a merit-based environment
Cons
Layoffs of DEI employees
Cancellation of DEI programs and cultural graduations