"Katherine Mansfield discovered via email that her graduate course title at the University of North Texas had been changed from 'Race, Class and Gender Issues in Education' to 'Critical Inquiry in Education.' The course description shifted from fostering cultural responsiveness and debunking stereotypes to a focus on 'critically examining current topics related to providing leadership for various student groups.'
These changes are part of 78 edits to the College of Education's graduate program and 130 in undergraduate courses. While UNT administrators claim these revisions align with state teaching standards, faculty suspect they stem from a directive linked to SB 17, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and funding. 'Regardless of their intent, the UNT administration conducted a campaign of censorship of content in more than 200 courses,' said Brian Evans of the Texas AAUP, calling it an attack on academic freedom.
State Senator Brandon Creighton argued that DEI curriculum 'contradicts the spirit' of SB 17, stating it doesn't meet the expectations of taxpayers or employers. Meanwhile, UNT’s DEI offices have closed, faculty subcommittees on marginalized groups were shuttered, and events like Pride Week were curtailed. Faculty were shocked when Chief Compliance Officer Clay Simmons stated that even DEI-related research or teaching must be 'narrowly tailored.' This approach drew criticism from PEN America as 'the most extreme case of overcompliance with a censorship law we have ever seen.'
Professor Adam Briggle voiced deep concern, stating, 'I'm losing faith a little bit that UNT would ever stop this slide. Where's the line here?'"
Link: Texas Tribune
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