University of Texas Announces Major Academic Restructuring, Merges Four Departments
The University of Texas at Austin has unveiled a comprehensive academic restructuring plan that will consolidate four existing departments into a newly established Social and Cultural Analysis department. This significant reorganization, first reported by The Texas Tribune and distributed by The Associated Press, is scheduled for completion by September 2027.
Departments Affected by the Consolidation
The departments set to be merged are:
- African and African Diaspora Studies
- American Studies
- Mexican American and Latino Studies
- Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
University leaders formally notified department heads of this decision on Thursday, marking a pivotal shift in the institution's academic landscape.
Rationale Behind the Restructuring
University officials explained that the consolidation follows an extensive internal academic review, which identified significant inconsistencies and fragmentation across departments within the College of Liberal Arts. The primary objectives of this restructuring are to streamline administrative operations and align related disciplines under a broader, more cohesive academic framework.
According to Save UT, a faculty group publicly opposing the merger, more than 800 students are currently pursuing majors, minors, and graduate degrees across the affected departments. Faculty members have expressed serious concerns about the future of specialized programs and the overall academic direction of the university.
Faculty Criticism and University Response
Julie Minich, a professor of Mexican American and Latino Studies and English, has been vocal in her criticism, arguing that this move reverses decades of intellectual progress and innovation. Faculty critics contend that independent departments foster focused scholarship and stronger academic identity.
In response, University President Jim Davis assured in a notice to students, faculty, and staff that students already enrolled in the affected programs will be permitted to complete their degrees within the new departmental structure. A curriculum review is currently underway to determine which majors and minors will continue to be offered post-consolidation.
Additional Restructuring in European Language Departments
In a separate but related decision, the university will merge Germanic Studies, Slavic and Eurasian Studies, and French and Italian into a new Department of European and Eurasian Studies. Officials stated this aims to reduce duplication in teaching and research while enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. Specific details on how language majors and graduate programs will be structured under this new department have not yet been released.
Broader Political Context in Texas
This restructuring occurs amidst increasing political scrutiny of Texas universities regarding their approach to subjects related to race, gender, and sexuality. Key legislative actions include:
- In 2023, Senate Bill 17 banned diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at public universities, though it explicitly exempted classroom instruction and scholarly research.
- In 2025, Senate Bill 37 transferred curriculum oversight authority from faculty bodies to governor-appointed regents. Earlier drafts included provisions to limit certain academic content, which were removed before final passage.
Last month, Texas A&M University eliminated its women’s and gender studies program. Additionally, federal officials have urged UT-Austin and other institutions to sign a compact linking grant access to commitments related to defining sex based on reproductive function and reviewing academic units perceived as ideologically biased.
University officials have not indicated that the mergers will eliminate instruction on race, gender, or sexuality. The consolidation process, including curriculum review and departmental restructuring, is set to conclude by September 2027.
