The Texas A&M University System is rolling out a new policy that restricts how professors can teach issues related to race and gender, requiring faculty across all system campuses to seek approval from their university president before presenting or advocating what the policy calls "race or gender ideology."
The rule, announced this week, also directs instructors to closely follow approved syllabi and course materials.
System officials say the move is aimed at ensuring consistency in instruction and compliance with state law. The policy applies to every academic department within the A&M System's 11 universities.
Faculty groups, meanwhile, are raising concerns that the restrictions may limit academic freedom and narrow students' exposure to complex subjects central to many fields of study. The debate comes as universities across Texas continue to adjust to new statewide directives governing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The Texas A&M System has not announced how the policy will be enforced, but it is expected to take effect in the coming months.
