University of Texas Axes Three Race and Gender Studies Majors

The University of Texas at Austin has discontinued new enrollments in three majors: Women's and Gender Studies, Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, and African and African Diaspora Studies. This decision has been characterized by some conservatives as a significant win.

A university spokesperson confirmed that students can no longer select these majors on their applications, stating, "In recognition of the changing degree offerings in the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, the University is no longer enrolling new students in three majors: Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, and Women’s & Gender Studies." The spokesperson added, "Students currently enrolled in those majors will be able to complete their degree."

While the university has not publicly cited enrollment numbers as the reason for this change, a report from the Austin American-Statesman earlier this year indicated that the combined number of students in African and African diaspora studies, Mexican American and Latino studies, women and gender studies, and American studies was 307. This figure represents less than 1% of the university's undergraduate population.

The University of Texas System has also been reviewing courses related to gender identity to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and alignment with the Board of Regents' priorities. An internal email suggests that much of the coursework from these discontinued majors may be consolidated into a new, singular offering.

Commentators on social media have offered varied reactions. Timur Kuran, a professor at Duke University, noted on X that "Across the Anglosphere, ethnic and sexuality studies have long been captured by political activists." Steve McGuire, a fellow at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, described the move as "the pedagogically responsible thing to do." Conversely, J.D. Haltigan, a research fellow at the Centre for Heterodox Social Science, called these programs "ridiculous Leftist delusion[s] that have no place in truth-seeking institutions."

Several other universities, including Texas A&M University, Wichita State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Toledo, have also recently reduced or eliminated similar programs.