The University of North Texas (UNT) has moved to remove words like "race" and "equity" from its course names following the state's DEI ban.
According to the Dallas Morning News, roughly 78 course titles at UNT have been affected following the removal of DEI-related terms.
A faculty member said he received an email that cited Texas' anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion bill SB 17, which went into effect last January, as the reason for the name changes. The email also noted an order from Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for lawmakers to review university syllabi for DEI content, according to the faculty member.
SB 17 prohibited DEI offices and programs but carved out an exception for course instruction.
The name changes sparked outrage from faculty and other organizations. Free expression nonprofit PEN America called the move "extreme overcompliance." The changes came off the heels of Texas A&M University eliminating its LGBTQ+ studies minor.
In a statement, a UNT spokesperson said the name changes weren't due to SB 17, but were instead a part of a routine curriculum update.
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