In a move that aligns with recent state oversight of taxpayer‑funded instruction, the University of Texas at Austin announced that several courses centered on women’s, “gender,” sexuality and race studies will no longer count toward the university’s core‑curriculum requirements. The change, announced by President Jim Davis on August 13, keeps the classes available as electives or major‑specific courses but removes their ability to satisfy general‑education requirements.
State officials and legislators back the shift
State Rep. Brian Harrison (R‑Midlothian) criticized the university for using public funds to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs that, in his view, indoctrinate students in critical race theory, gender and sexuality concepts, and social‑justice ideology. Harrison’s comments echo a broader legislative push for transparency and accountability in higher‑education spending.
Financial and enrollment context
UT’s 2026‑27 operating budget still allocates nearly $7 million across three instructional accounts: African and African Diaspora Studies ($3,895,509), Mexican American and Latina/o Studies ($1,810,542), and Women’s, “Gender” and Sexuality Studies ($1,285,084). These funds support 40.5 full‑time‑equivalent faculty positions. However, degree data show a decline in graduates from these fields – bachelor’s degrees fell from 33 in 2021‑22 to 23 in 2023‑24.
Rationale from university leadership
Provost William Inboden explained that the core‑curriculum overhaul is intended to replace more than 600 existing core options with courses that provide “substantial historical coverage, enduring national political questions and foundational social‑science concepts.” The new core plan proposes a 36‑hour requirement: 15 hours in arts and humanities, nine in social sciences, and 12 in STEM, with suggested subjects such as Western civilization, American politics and artificial intelligence.
Legislative backdrop
Senate Bill 37, passed earlier this year, mandates governing boards to review general‑education curricula and ensure that core offerings do not force students to study “unnecessary controversial subjects.” UT System regents approved standards on February 19 that prohibit coercion or indoctrination and require fair treatment of disputed issues.
Implementation timeline
The university plans pilot courses for fall 2027, with full implementation targeted for fall 2028. A later transition date of 2029 or beyond remains tied to state requirements, and the FAQ notes that the exact completion date is still undetermined.
Reactions from faculty and experts
America First Policy Institute researcher Christopher Schorr, interviewed by The Dallas Express in May 2025, argued that the identity‑focused disciplines lack rigor. Faculty member Lauren Gutterman expressed uncertainty about future course availability, while university spokesperson Mike Rosen confirmed that current students can finish their programs.
What this means for students
Students pursuing majors in the affected areas will still be able to take the courses, but they will no longer count toward graduation requirements. New admissions to the three majors have been closed, meaning only existing students can complete their degrees under the current structure.
Community impact
Local families and faith‑based groups have welcomed the shift, viewing it as a restoration of academic standards that respect traditional values and parental rights to guide their children’s education. By focusing the core curriculum on historically grounded subjects and essential skills, the university aims to better serve Texas taxpayers and prepare graduates for the workforce.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
