TYLER, Texas — A UT Tyler employee has been placed on leave pending an investigation into allegations of comments made about diversity, equity and inclusion activities.
The Dallas Morning News reported about a hidden video camera that showed Texas college and university employees answer questions and some say they're finding ways to keep practicing DEI efforts.
Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices and its practices at public colleges and universities in Texas, went into effect Jan. 1.
One of the higher education institutions mentioned in the video is UT Tyler. The hidden camera seven-minute video was released by Accuracy in Media, which is an organization that uses "citizen activism and investigative journalism to expose media bias, corruption, and public policy failings," according to AIM's website.
In the video, the person identified as a UT Tyler employee responded to a question about DEI by saying, "no, you can still do it. You just have to be creative." The person said employees continue to "carry on and "do the work." The person said, "I plot and plan,"
UT Tyler spokesperson Beverly Golden issued a statement Friday saying the university is investigating a video that included comments from a UT Tyler employee. The statement goes on to say the employee was placed on leave pending the result of an investigation.
"The university fully follows all state and federal laws, regardless of what was portrayed in the video," the statement read.
Golden said the university cannot name the employee as it relates to personnel issues.
