Austin, Texas, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Faculty at the University of Texas at Austin are expressing alarm over a newly appointed taskforce that may lead to potential cuts and restructuring of liberal arts programs. Faculty members are particularly concerned about the focus on ethnic and regional disciplines, and rising tensions have emerged amid recent governance changes that have disbanded faculty senates. Additionally, significant funding cuts to research projects further exacerbate worries about the future of academic programs, particularly in the humanities and diversity fields.
AUSTIN, Texas – Faculty at the University of Texas at Austin are alarmed by the establishment of a new taskforce that could lead to the potential restructuring and funding cuts of its liberal arts programs. The taskforce was quietly appointed earlier this semester to examine the humanities disciplines within the university, raising concerns among professors regarding the future of certain academic departments.
Although there have been no official announcements from the university regarding impending cuts or restructuring of programs, faculty members are particularly worried that the taskforce’s review will focus on ethnic and regional disciplines, such as African and African diaspora studies, Mexican American and Latina/o studies, and women’s and gender studies. The university has not responded to requests for comment about the newly formed committee, leaving faculty members without clear answers from administrators.
These rising concerns have been exacerbated by a newly enacted state law that came into effect on September 1, which disbanded faculty senates and granted university administrators increased control over governance matters. The appointment of the newly appointed university president occurred without faculty input, leading to the establishment of a 12-person faculty advisory board chosen solely by him. Furthermore, a review of the university’s core curriculum has been announced, led by a taskforce of 18 professors, none of whom are representatives from the disciplines facing cuts. Critics have noted that almost all faculty on this core curriculum taskforce are white, garnering discontent among students.
Concerns intensified when the new provost, William Inboden, published a manifesto criticizing the humanities and liberal arts. In this document, he referred to a crisis of “legitimacy and trust” in higher education and characterized the “identity-studies framework” negatively, suggesting a vision that could undermine specific humanities programs.
Faculty members have indicated that the current atmosphere on campus is detrimental, with rising tensions creating distractions amid uncertainty. A report from the America First Policy Institute questioned the value of “Studies” programs like Women’s Studies, suggesting that they are more activist than scholarly. This trend mirrors a national shift where state legislators in Texas, under conservative leadership, have previously weakened protections for tenured faculty and abolished diversity initiatives. Recent events, particularly controversies from Texas A&M, saw the resignation of its president over “gender ideology” issues, and UT Austin’s recent layoffs included about 60 staff members involved in diversity programs, along with the closing of the Multicultural Engagement Center.
Student discontent at UT Austin has also surfaced, with approximately 200 students protesting against a directive from the university president to conform to federal policies. The controversy culminated in students chanting “do not sign,” reflecting their hesitance to endorse potentially harmful policies.
In addition to these challenges, the Harry Ransom Center at UT Austin is inviting applications for research fellowships for the 2026-2027 academic year, aimed at supporting projects utilizing its extensive humanities collections. However, recent trends under the Trump administration have resulted in significant funding cuts – over $47 million across 67 research projects at UT Austin since January, adversely affecting diversity and humanities-related research initiatives. Faculty have expressed frustration over the cancellations of funding for significant projects, which range from mental health studies to cultural history undertakings, as well as impacts on the National Science Foundation and other agencies that have adjusted funding priorities. Faculty members have raised alarms about the sustainability of their research programs amid these federal funding cuts but remain committed to pursuing their work in the humanities and social sciences.
FAQ
What is the main concern for faculty at the University of Texas at Austin?
The faculty are concerned that entire academic departments may be at risk due to the establishment of a new taskforce appointed to study the restructuring of liberal arts programs.
What disciplines are faculty worried about?
Faculty believe the taskforce’s review is focused on ethnic and regional disciplines, including African and African diaspora studies, Mexican American and Latina/o studies, and women’s and gender studies.
What changes were made by a new state law affecting university governance?
The new state law disbanded faculty senates and granted university administrators greater control over governance matters.
What actions have UT Austin taken recently regarding diversity initiatives?
UT Austin laid off about 60 staff members involved in diversity programs, canceled its diversity initiatives, and closed its Multicultural Engagement Center.
How have funding cuts impacted research at UT Austin?
Significant funding cuts across 67 research projects at UT Austin since January have totaled over $47 million, affecting a wide range of research, particularly those focusing on diversity, equity, and humanities.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Taskforce Formation | New taskforce appointed to review humanities programs. |
| Concerned Disciplines | African and African diaspora studies, Mexican American and Latina/o studies, women’s and gender studies. |
| State Law Impact | New law disbanded faculty senates, enhancing administrative control. |
| Funding Cuts | Over $47 million cut from 67 research projects, affecting diversity and humanities. |
| Faculty Sentiment | Rising tensions and distraction due to uncertainty over academic programs. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: University of Texas Cuts Liberal Arts
- Wikipedia: Humanities
- Hyperallergic: UT Austin’s Harry Ransom Center Funded Fellowships in the Arts and Humanities
- Google Search: UT Austin funding cuts humanities
- Statesman: University of Texas Loses $47 Million Research Funding Under Trump
- Google Scholar: University of Texas funding cuts
- The Daily Texan: National Endowment for the Humanities Grants Cancelled Affecting Austin-Based Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liberal Arts
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