Jobless in DEI-verse: My ode to right-wingers.

My Job Loss Taught Me Why We Need DEI

Three months ago, I received some devastating news: my position was eliminated due to SB 17, which prohibits DEI programs in state-funded institutions. Hours later, the president released a carefully worded announcement about the end of the DCCE, and I felt a sense of shock that these important programs were under attack.

As a former assistant director of communications for the DCCE, I was gagged and told to ignore media requests about our DEI programs when SB 17 loomed. We were muzzled, unable to tell the success stories of our students and counter the narrative that DEI is a leftist, woke agenda. Well, I'm breaking that silence now.

DEI programs are critical for academic success, and they benefit all of us. UT boasts about students who will "change the world," but how can they when conservatives try to stifle certain demographics with their anti-DEI sentiments?

I saw firsthand how marginalized students were targeted by online hate, with comments like "Didn't Earn It." Imposter syndrome is a real issue, and DCCE helped students overcome this additional layer of anxiety, keeping them on track and pursuing graduate studies in medicine, STEM, and law.

Let me be clear: DEI programs aren't taking opportunities from other students. They're providing a pathway for low-income and marginalized students to succeed, and they're funded by grants and donations, not your precious tax dollars.

So, to all the conservatives out there, ask yourself why you're really opposed to DEI. Is it because you're afraid of a level playing field? It's time to dig deep and embrace the fact that DEI makes our institutions stronger.

Francesca Sinn is a former UT comms director and proud DEI advocate.