“There Were Failures”: How SB-17 Affects Faculty, Staff, and Students at a Public Texas University

• In Event: Navigating State Policy, Governance, and Reform

Abstract

This case study will analyze the impact of Senate Bill (SB) 17, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities, at a public Texas university and the legislative discourse leading to its passing. Research has highlighted the importance of belongingness for marginalized students, which is threatened by the implementation of SB 17. It has resulted in layoffs and department closures at universities across Texas, disproportionately affecting Black and female staff and marginalized students. Using policy ecology, diversity ideology, and counter narratives conceptual frameworks, in-depth interviews of faculty, staff, and students will reveal how they make sense of the dimensional impacts of SB 17 in their campus experiences.

Authors

• Michael Reid Jr, University of Texas at Austin

• Jenna Doane, The University of New Mexico

• Angela Valenzuela, University of Texas at Austin