A children’s literature professor at Texas A&M University was recently dismissed after a video surfaced where a student questioned the course material on gender identity and sexuality.
In the footage, the student voiced concerns, referencing the university president’s stance on gender. “There’s only two genders,” the student claimed, mentioning a threat to freeze funding for programs that discuss gender ideology, which conflicted with the student’s religious beliefs.
Following this uproar, the university president, Mark Welsh III, announced the removal of the professor, identified as Melissa McCoul, along with the college’s dean and the department head. Welsh said he had previously addressed course content issues over the summer, ensuring alignment with catalog descriptions. Despite these efforts, the course still included material inconsistent with official descriptions.
Glenn Hegar, the university’s chancellor, criticized the situation, emphasizing that faculty should not promote political agendas. This incident follows a law passed in Texas earlier this year, banning the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in public universities, which adds context to the pressures faced by Texas A&M.
The fallout has sparked significant political reactions. Republican lawmakers urged immediate action, with Brian Harrison posting the video and directly calling on Governor Greg Abbott to intervene. Abbott later expressed approval of McCoul’s dismissal on social media.
This incident isn’t isolated. Universities across the U.S. face similar scrutiny over course content and the balance between academic freedom and legislative mandates. Recent surveys suggest that a majority of American college students are concerned about the repercussions of expressing their views, reflecting the tension in educational settings today.
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