Texas A&M University president stepping down due to public outcry over a recorded conversation involving gender identity debates in a classroom setting.
Texas A&M University Professor Fired Over Gender Identity Course
Amidst a storm of political controversy, President Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Welsh of Texas A&M University announced on September 9 his decision to fire a professor and demote school officials involved in a dispute over a course on gender identity.
The controversy began when a video surfaced on the internet, showing a student questioning the legality of the teachings in a children's literature class. The student cited executive orders signed by President Trump. In the video, the professor, whose name is not specified, is seen defending the course content.
The professor's attorney has stated that his client has appealed her termination and that she taught the course for years without being told to change it. It is not clear when the video was recorded. The involved student in the video has chosen not to be publicly identified.
President Welsh stated, "This isn't about academic freedom; it's about academic responsibility." Changes in the professor's course, which were discussed with the professor, were not addressed, and the college continued to teach content that was inconsistent with the published course description for another course this fall.
The professor's firing prompted criticism from some education advocates, with Jonathan Friedman of PEN America stating, "We're witnessing the death of academic freedom in Texas." Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott advocated for the professor's firing in a social media post, writing that she acted "contrary to Texas law."
Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison posted the video on social media and called for the Trump administration to investigate the school and fire the officials involved. Harmeet Dhillon, who serves as the assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Justice Department, has said her division will "look into" the matter regarding the video.
President Welsh has served as school president since 2023 following the resignation of M. Katherine Banks. Chancellor Glenn Hegar has announced Welsh's resignation, stating that he has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication.
Departments across the university will undergo an audit process to ensure course offerings and descriptions match. The audit will aim to bring clarity and consistency to the curriculum, addressing any inconsistencies found.
The political pressure surrounding the professor's firing has raised concerns about academic freedom and the role of politics in education. As the situation unfolds, the university and its community will continue to grapple with these complex issues.
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