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Professor Terminated at Texas A&M After Gender Debate Goes Viral
A student’s challenge to “gender ideology” in class has led to a professor’s firing at Texas A&M
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Texas A&M Removes Faculty Over Gender Discussions, Drawing Governor's Praise and Legal Scrutiny
Texas A&M Faces Scrutiny After Faculty Removals Over Gender Discussions COLLEGE STATION, TX Texas A&M University is once again at the center of a free speech and academic freedom debate following the removal of two faculty members, including English Department Head Emily Johanson, from their administrative roles. The controversy erupted after a student recorded a class discussion and complained about the inclusion of gender-related topics, citing concerns about the legality and alignment with personal religious beliefs. The student's recording captured a moment where they questioned the legality of teaching concepts that "promote gender ideology," stating, "I don't want to promote something that is, um, against our president's laws as well as against my religious beliefs." This sentiment quickly gained traction, leading to a meeting between the student and University President Mark A. Welsh III. President Welsh subsequently issued a statement, directing the provost to remove the dean and department head, effective immediately. The statement clarified that the decision was based on "teaching course content that was not consistent with the course's published description." President Welsh emphasized, "If we allow different course content to be taught from what is advertised, we let our students down. When it comes to our academic offerings, we must keep our word to our students and to the state of Texas." Texas Governor Greg Abbott also weighed in on the matter, publicly stating, "Good. Now, fire the professor who acted contrary to Texas law." The incident has drawn comparisons to a previous controversy at Texas A&M, where the university reached a $1 million settlement with a Black journalism professor who was reportedly forced out. Critics suggest the university's actions may set a precedent for limiting academic discourse and could lead to further legal challenges. The financial implications of such decisions remain a point of concern for the university.
