New legislation in Texas has led to the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and programs at universities across the state. The law has resulted in resource cancellations, office closures, staff firings, and a sense of uncertainty among students, particularly those who are undocumented or have temporary status.
Universities across the country have transformed at the command of anti-diversity, equity and inclusion legislation. At the University of Texas -Austin, the legislation led to resource cancellations, office closures, and staff firings -- pushing some students to create alternatives to their school's defunct diversity programs.
ABC News spoke to UT Austin students and a terminated faculty member about the compounding impact the loss of diversity programs has had on campus.The long list of potential college life logistics - like how to pay for school, open an independent bank account or get a job - is even longer for undocumented students and those with temporary status.
"It was always kind of told to me, like, your education is going to be the only way you're going to be able to kind of push forward and build something out for yourself - it's through your education," said Arely. "A lot of my college experience would have definitely been way more different had Monarch not been there," said Arely. "I can't imagine in what situation I would have been had I not had that support system."
The university initially stated that some programs would be shifted to other divisions or renamed to complement ongoing operations. Monarch, according to students and former staff, was also initially not targeted by SB 17 since it does not specifically refer to any race or ethnicity. Students say they have been left to pick up the pieces without the dedicated resources to support them. Victoria Uriostegui-Garcia, a member of a student-run group called Rooted, said her organization has become a substitute for the services once provided by Monarch. It is one of several student-run organizations to take on the responsibilities of the now-shuttered offices.
Supporters of anti-DEI legislation, like Creighton, have applauded the changes made by SB 17.
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