AUSTIN, TEXAS — Students and faculty at the University of Texas-Austin staged a mock funeral outside the UT System building in Austin to protest what participants described as a loss of academic freedom. Demonstrators dressed in all black, carried signs and brought a black horse and carriage as part of the event.

The protest was organized by Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, which has held similar demonstrations since April. The actions have been aimed at criticizing decisions by the University of Texas-Austin and the UT System Board of Regents.

Sumya Paruchuri, a sophomore and one of the protest's organizers, said the funeral imagery was meant to attract public notice. "It really helps draw attention to it," she said. "It's also just really fun to be able to organize in a way that is just, like, joyous."

Paruchuri said the demonstration centered on changes to academic offerings at the university. "They're eliminating programs that focus on things like gender and ethnic studies and are removing the cultural diversity that exists in academia and in Texas," she said. "It removes a certain cultural understanding and necessary lens to navigate a diverse and global world."

Meto Longoria, a recent University of Texas-Austin graduate, said the changes had altered his view of the institution. "It's really awful. It's really disappointing," he said. "I mean, UT means a lot to me– a graduate student, undergraduate student, it was transformative, truly, and I don't think it'll ever be the same."

Several students spoke during the public comment portion of a UT System Board of Regents meeting, urging leaders to consider their perspectives. After public comment, UT Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife thanked students for sharing their concerns. Eltife said the university is experiencing record enrollment, applicants and alumni support.