University of Texas Students and Faculty Stage Mock Funeral to Protest University Changes

Outside the UT System building in Austin on Wednesday, protesters dressed in black brought a black horse and carriage to signify the funeral for what they describe as the "loss of academic freedom."

The protest comes just one day before the UT System Board of Regents will decide on how much power campus presidents have to cut programs and jobs.

A group of UT-Austin students and faculty were among the protestors, criticizing the decision which would leave fewer safeguards on the University's ability to maintain academic freedom among increasing political pressure over what can be taught and studied.

The decision will come some time today following the Board meeting.

By removing the authority of faculty advisories, the decision will give the president more power over major University decisions.

"A faculty advisory body established under this Rule serves as a resource for the institution’s leadership and shall function at the direction of the president," the proposed rule states. "Its function is to facilitate advisory faculty input, as requested or assigned, and it shall not have final decisionmaking authority on any matter."

SB 37, which went into effect Sept. 1 of last year, gave universities more oversight over class curriculum. Additionally, it requires universities to reexamine their core curriculum. Immediately following the decision, the University made major changes throughout the following months.

In February, President Jim Davis announced that seven College of Liberal Arts departments would be consolidated into two new departments. As well, the UT System Board of Regents approved a limit on teachers discussing "unnecessary controversial topics."

Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) is a student group who has planned similar protests aimed at criticizing recent decisions made by the University and the UT System Board of Regents.

Throughout the spring semester, students and faculty protested the consolidation, worried it reflects political pressure to not teach certain topics.

Following the decision, students and faculty will likely continue to see changes made to the University throughout the summer and fall.