UT Austin removes core status from gender and race-focused courses

The University of Texas at Austin is removing core-curriculum status from courses focusing on women, gender, sexuality, and race, as state officials tighten oversight of instruction. These courses, such as "Women and the Holocaust" and "Slavery and Its Legacies," will remain available as elective or major-specific courses. The university's 2026–27 operating budget lists nearly $7 million across instructional accounts for Women’s, Gender and Sexuality, and African and African Diaspora Studies.

The changes affect how taxpayer-supported instruction is structured at the university. State Representative Brian Harrison accused UT of using taxpayer money to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.