Take action with HABLA
Speaking of "spirited," the Hispanic Advocate Business Leaders of Austin (HABLA) recently held an Plática on Academic Freedom and the Future of Ethnic Studies at the University of Texas.
It's no secret that changes are afoot at UT.
The panel presenters, two UT professors and two UT students -- a grad and an undergrad -- talked about the implications of the proposed dissolution of UT’s nationally recognized Department of Mexican American and Latino Studies (MALS) and its counterpart for African American studies. They are to be folded into general American Studies in the College of Liberal Arts. MALS students study the cultural practices, historical development, and socioeconomic conditions of the Mexican American and Latino/a communities.
In a time when Latinos make up 47% of the Texas workforce and 40% of the UT student population, the proposed move seems short-sighted at best. According to the HABLA panel, faculty are self-censoring, students are raising their voices, and donors are outraged.
Learn more:
HABLA - Latino Studies Fact Sheet
Austin American Statesman - UT Regents move forward with 'ultimate' power to oversee hiring, curriculum
Action Requested
Send emails, writing as an individual, to the following UT administrators:
You may use the language from the sample letter below:
SUBJECT: Urgent Concern Regarding Proposed Department Eliminations at UT Austin
Dear [Administrator Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern about UT Austin's reported plans to eliminate the Black Studies, Latino Studies, and Gender Studies departments in the College of LIberal Arts. These departments house field-defining, award-winning faculty. Eliminating them appears to be driven by ideology rather than educational merit, threatening the academic freedom and intellectual diversity that define a world-class
public institution. The government should not dictate what adult, tuition-paying students can and cannot study.
My concern as a [student/alumnus/donor/community member/faculty member -- choose one and personalize]:
- Student: I want the freedom to pursue the education I'm paying for
- Alumnus: I'm concerned about my degree losing value as UT's reputation diminishes
- Donor: I want to support an institution that values independent inquiry
- Community member: Our state's largest employer shouldn't require ideological litmus tests
- Faculty: After tenure weakening, DEI elimination, and reduced faculty governance, censoring subjects threatens academic freedom across all disciplines
Censoring content undermines higher education. I urge you to reconsider these eliminations and uphold UT's commitment to academic freedom and intellectual diversity.
Thank you for your consideration.
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