The University of North Texas has refused to provide conference funding for a group of journalism faculty members, citing state legislation that restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public universities. The decision affects at least six professors, including tenured journalism faculty member Tracy Everbach, who has attended the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) conference annually since joining the institution in 2004.
In a memo dated June 30, the University Integrity and Compliance Office informed Everbach and her colleagues that paying for membership or sponsorship fees for the AEJMC would violate the Texas Education Code. The office alleged that the organization promotes differential treatment or provides special benefits based on race, color, or ethnicity, which is prohibited under the law.
Everbach stated she does not understand the allegation, describing the event as a standard research conference. The AEJMC gathering is scheduled for early August in New Orleans and features programming that highlights diverse voices and community histories. The denial marks a shift in policy for Everbach, who has relied on university support for this professional development opportunity for over two decades.
The university’s action aligns with broader trends across Texas higher education as institutions navigate Senate Bill 17, which took effect in January 2024. Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law, restricting certain DEI activities and mandating compliance reporting. The UNT compliance office specifically referenced this statute in its justification for denying the funds.
Everbach, who is employed by UNT until August 31, indicated that the state’s increasing involvement in higher education influenced her decision to accept a buyout earlier in the spring. She views the funding denial as an impediment to her academic freedom and a concern for her tenure-track colleagues, noting that presenting research is a required part of their job duties.
