The University of North Texas has changed course descriptions that mentioned race, gender, and equity in the College of Education graduate program, according to The Texas Tribune. Emails obtained by the outlet show administrators claiming the move would “protect faculty” from being targeted.
Tribune reporters spoke with faculty who say the university has made at least 78 edits and that the sweeping changes are an “overreaction” to Senate Bill 17 which bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities.
“Regardless of their intent, the UNT administration conducted a campaign of censorship of content in more than 200 courses,” said Brian Evans, president of the Texas conference of the American Association of University Professors.
Katherine Mansfield told the newspaper she was scheduled to teach a Spring semester graduate level class called “Race, Class, and Gender Issues in Education” but was told via email it would now be called “Critical Inquiry in Education.”
The course description and discussion of topics was also changed from students learning about being “culturally responsive,” how to “debunk stereotypes and negative views” and understanding students going to school in places where “race, class, and gender inequalities exist” to say students will “critically examine current topics related to providing leadership for various student groups.”
The campus newspaper, North Texas Daily reported Brian McFarlin, an associate dean for undergraduate studies and research in the College of Education, made the changes directed by administrators after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told state lawmakers to take a look at programs and certificates at public universities with DEI policies and “expose how these programs and their curriculum are damaging and not aligned with state workforce demands.”
With a little over 50 days until the 2025 legislative session begins, some Texas lawmakers like Sen. Brandon Creighton, a Republican from Conroe who authored Senate Bill 17, are looking at expanding it into college classrooms, according to KUT. “While DEI-related curriculum and course content does not explicitly violate the letter of the law, it indeed contradicts its spirit,” Creighton said during a Texas Senate Higher Education Subcommittee hearing last week.
In addition to the graduate program, the Tribune said around 130 edits were made to undergraduate courses in the same college. Administrators told faculty in an email that they have until fall 2025 to adjust their courses to “comply with the new course descriptions.”
Buckle up Texans, these Republican lawmakers are coming for your education next.
Read more at The Texas Tribune.
