UT's Restructuring Raises Concerns Over Inclusivity

Proposed consolidation of Mexican American and Latino studies programs sparks backlash from community groups

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Texas at Austin has announced a proposal to consolidate several academic departments, including the Department of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies (MALS), the Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, the Department of American Studies, and the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, into a single Department of Social and Cultural Analysis. This move has drawn criticism from Latino and African American communities, who see it as a threat to the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why it matters

The proposed restructuring is seen by many as a politically motivated effort to restrict the academic study of Mexican American, Latino, and other minority communities in Texas, where these populations make up a significant portion of the state's population and public school enrollment. The consolidation could result in funding cuts and the elimination of programs that have been integral to advancing research and public understanding of these communities' histories, cultures, and contributions.

The details

The consolidation would effectively end Mexican American Studies and related fields of study at UT, threatening decades of academic achievement that made the university a leading center for the study of Mexican Americans and Latino communities. The move has been framed by UT President Jim Davis as necessary to maintain public trust and fulfill the university's mission, but community groups and advocates argue that it neither builds trust nor fulfills the university's responsibility to serve a state where communities of color are the majority.

  • In February 2026, UT President Jim Davis announced the proposal to consolidate several academic departments.
  • Two months ago, the Latino Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education and the Texas Exes Hispanic Alumni Network formally requested dialogue with university leadership, but these communications have been ignored.

The players

Jim Davis

The president of the University of Texas at Austin, who announced the proposal to consolidate several academic departments.

Latino Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education

A consortium that includes the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Hispanic Advocates and Business Leaders of Austin (HABLA), the Latino Texas Policy Center, and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, which formally requested dialogue with UT leadership about the proposed consolidation.

Texas Exes Hispanic Alumni Network

A group of UT alumni that sent a letter to university leadership in November expressing concerns about the proposed consolidation and a willingness to collaborate to ensure the continued vitality of Latino Studies.

Greg Abbott

The governor of Texas, who has advocated for eliminating what he labels 'divisive' academic programs, which disproportionately target the study of Mexican Americans, Latinos, and other minority communities.

Dan Patrick

The lieutenant governor of Texas, who has also advocated for eliminating 'divisive' academic programs.

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What they’re saying

“Consolidating or diluting departments centered on communities of color — while leaving other academic fields intact — sends a message about whose histories are valued.”

— Alicia Perez-Hodge, Long-time community advocate, co-founder of HABLA, and district VII director of LULAC in Austin (statesman.com)

“Education without representation is wrong and must challenged.”

— Alicia Perez-Hodge, Long-time community advocate, co-founder of HABLA, and district VII director of LULAC in Austin (statesman.com)

What’s next

Community organizations, alumni, and advocates are urging university leadership to halt the consolidation, engage with stakeholders, and uphold the integrity of programs that reflect and serve the people of Texas.

The takeaway

The proposed consolidation of academic departments at the University of Texas at Austin raises serious concerns about the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for Latino and African American communities in Texas. The lack of meaningful consultation with affected faculty, students, alumni, and community organizations further erodes public trust and undermines the university's mission to serve all Texans.