US universities slash women's and gender studies amid budget cuts and political pressure

At least 10 public universities across the US have cut or restructured women's, gender, and diversity studies programmes since 2023. Schools like the University of Florida, West Virginia University, and the University of Texas at Austin have reduced these courses, leaving students to rearrange their schedules. Officials point to budget cuts, low enrolment, and a push for vocational or STEM-focused education as the reasons behind the changes. Texas A&M, one of the largest public universities in the country, recently ended its women's studies programme and overhauled its race and gender classes. Interim president Tommy Williams justified the decision by citing 'new system policies'. This move follows the university's cancellation of its LGBTQ studies minor and popular culture certificates in 2024.

The cuts reflect broader trends in higher education, where state funding pressures have shifted priorities away from humanities and social sciences. Critics argue that dismantling these programmes undermines feminist movements and reduces the visibility of women's contributions. The decisions also signal the influence of state legislatures over academic freedom, with university leaders complying to avoid further funding losses. For students, the sudden removal of courses means scrambling to find alternatives. Many had planned their degrees around these programmes, only to face unexpected disruptions. The closures send a warning to other public institutions that similar cuts could be on the horizon.

The reduction of women's and gender studies programmes removes key academic spaces for discussing equality and representation. With fewer courses available, students lose opportunities to explore these fields in depth. The long-term impact may extend beyond universities, affecting how society engages with issues of gender and diversity.