Last Saturday, members of the Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors voted to join the Texas American Federation of Teachers. The vote marks the first state-level affiliation between two national educators' organizations, two years ago when the AAUP and AFT voted to join nationally on June 18, 2022. It started moving for the first time.
The goals of state membership mirror those of previous national membership, and include a commitment from higher education officials and kindergarteners in the fight to protect academic freedom and unify the voice of teachers at the local, state, and federal levels. It is about uniting public educators up to high school. Texas AFT and AAUP members worked closely together throughout the 88th Congress in 2023, fending off some lawmakers and legislators. Recent attacks on higher education in Texas reflect past attacks on K-12 educators, including a push for increased censorship, attempts to silence diverse voices, and efforts to eliminate job protections for educators. It reflects the attack.
“Our students and educators deserve better than what this state has to offer,” Texas AFT President Zev Capo said after the vote. “The only way to build a better Texas that gives every student the opportunity to thrive is by working together to build the power of Texas educators to stand united when under siege from dishonest attacks. I am so proud that AAUP's higher education colleagues recognize this fight for learning freedom as a common struggle, and I look forward to demonstrating our common strength throughout this important election year. I am.”
The vote comes amid a series of new developments in state leaders' policies. The attacks on higher education in Texas continue.
University of Texas hires more than 60 faculty members in response to anti-DEI bill
On Tuesday, reports emerged from the University of Texas at Austin that more than 60 faculty members who previously held diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related roles have been fired by the university. As of earlier this year, anti-DEI legislation SB 17 prohibited Texas universities from holding DEI programs or mandatory training. Additionally, the state budget passed last year prohibits state funds from being used for anything related to DEI.
These cuts come a week after Sen. Brandon Clayton publicly warned university administrators they needed to fully comply with SB17's vision and threatened to withdraw state funding if they didn't. It was conducted. The text of SB 17, passed by the Texas Legislature, specifically allows employees in DEI-related roles to transfer to other departments within a university with a letter of recommendation; is not required.
At least 40 of the 60 laid-off employees reportedly worked in the Campus Community Engagement Department, which was known as the “Diversity and Community Engagement Department” before SB 17 took effect. None of these fired employees currently hold DEI-related positions, and by all accounts the University of Texas is already fully compliant with SB 17. Students and faculty members familiar with the situation speculated that this action by the university was due to the University of Texas. It was deemed to have “overcomplied” with SB 17 to appease Clayton.
In response to this development, the Texas AAUP, in conjunction with the Texas Chapter of the NAACP, issued a statement. In a release, the organizations said:
“At the time the pink slips were issued, all terminated employees were no longer in DEI-related positions. Therefore, these terminations clearly reflect past and current relationships with DEI. Furthermore, looking at the way the cuts were made in the DCCE, racial and ethnic discrimination is a clear purpose of this action. It is clear that it was.”
These events confirm what many already knew: an attack on DEI is an attack on labor. These 60 employees should not have lost their jobs because of partisan infighting and this state's leaders trying to score cheap political points.
The Senate Education Committee, which Clayton chairs, will hold a preliminary hearing in May to question whether the university system's presidents and general counsel are fully compliant with SB17.
Governor Abbott silences discussion of certain world events on college campuses
Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order revising free speech policies on college campuses, a move that some advocates fear will stifle free discussion of relevant political issues. I am concerned that this may not be the case.
In a press release announcing the executive order, Abbott said the executive order aims to “combat the rise in anti-Semitic acts at Texas universities and ensure a safe learning environment for Jewish students and all Texans. It is stated that “to do”. The order calls for a complete “review and update” of “free speech policies to address the proliferation of anti-Semitic speech and acts.” It is unclear whether these policy reviews apply only to anti-Semitic speech and conduct or broadly to speech on campus.
The announcement calls on university administrators to “impose appropriate penalties, including expulsion from the university.”
Additionally, the press release specifically criticized two student organizations, the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine, accusing them of anti-Semitism.
While it's important that elected leaders work to address the rising number of hate crimes in our state, country and around the world, some advocates believe the measures recommended by the order will We are concerned that this would unlawfully limit the First Amendment free speech rights of University of Texas students and faculty. Prior restraint on matters of public interest. Although targeted harassment is clearly not protected by the First Amendment, advocates interpret this executive order and the resulting updated policy to stifle speech that advocates for the Palestinian people. I am wary of the possibility of this happening.
Texas higher education institutions have come under increasing partisan political scrutiny with SB17 and SB18, with advocates wary of the governor's actions to regulate speech and behavior on college campuses. Of course.
Texas AFT unequivocally condemns acts of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Earlier this year, Texas AFT joined AFT's call for a bilateral ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
