UT Austin Eliminates Four Ethnic and Gender Studies Majors

The University of Texas at Austin is eliminating new enrollment in four ethnic and gender studies majors, a decision that has sparked debate over academic freedom and political influence in higher education. The university confirmed it will no longer accept new students into the African and African Diaspora Studies, Mexican American and Latinao Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, and Race, Indigeneity and Migration majors. The move, announced in mid-September 2026, affects the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, which was recently consolidated from several separate departments. University spokesperson Mike Rosen stated the decision was made "in recognition of the changing degree offerings" within the department. He emphasized that students currently enrolled in the eliminated majors will be able to complete their degrees. The American Studies and Urban Studies majors under the same department will remain. Faculty members, however, received no formal explanation for the cuts.