In the latest wave of controversy at Texas A&M University, President Mark A. Welsh III has taken swift action following a viral video of a classroom confrontation over LGBTQ+ content. The professor teaching a children’s literature class was fired, and both the dean and department head overseeing the course were immediately removed from their leadership roles after content that didn’t match the official course description came to light.
The public uproar began when state Rep. Brian Harrison posted a video of a student questioning the legality of a lesson on gender identity, citing religious beliefs and Trump-era policy toward gender ideology. The university cited "academic responsibility" - not academic freedom - as the rationale for its takedown.
Meanwhile, a systemwide audit of course offerings has been launched by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents to ensure all class content aligns with approved descriptions. Chancellor Glenn Hegar emphasized that pushing personal political agendas has no place in the classroom.
Critics, including free speech advocates and the Texas AAUP chapter, are warning this may chill academic freedom, raising broader concerns over political influence in higher education.
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