Texas A&M’s Race, Gender Restrictions May Impact 200 Courses

Texas A&M University is implementing new restrictions on course content that could affect approximately 200 classes in the College of Arts and Sciences. The changes, which were communicated to faculty just before the semester begins, include limitations on discussions surrounding race, gender, and related topics.

Impact of Policy Changes on Courses

This new policy, approved by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents in November, mandates that any course perceived as promoting “race and gender ideology” receive administrative approval. This directive stems from a viral incident involving a student recording a professor discussing gender identity in a class.

Courses Affected

• An introductory sociology course on race and ethnicity has been canceled.
• A communications course focusing on religion and the arts has been renumbered and stripped of its core curriculum credit.
• A philosophy course has been instructed to remove readings from Plato related to race and gender issues.

Emails from the administration confirmed the adjustments, indicating that courses had to comply with the revised policy or face similar consequences. The decision to cancel the sociology course, SOCI 217, highlighted the administration’s stance on compliance.

Faculty Reactions and Concerns

Concerns among faculty members are rising regarding the administrative policies affecting academic freedom. Professors have voiced their fears about students’ needs, with some courses being altered or canceled after students had already registered.

Potential Exemptions

Professors can request exemptions if they demonstrate that their course material is essential to the curriculum. Interim Dean Simon North indicated that about 30 courses might seek such exemptions, although the approval process remains unclear.

Criticism from University Associations

The Texas A&M University chapter of the American Association of University Professors and other advocacy groups have criticized the policy. They argue it impairs academic discourse and invites unnecessary censorship. Critics assert that limiting discussions on foundational philosophical texts like Plato undermines the university’s very purpose.

Broader Trends in Higher Education

The policy at Texas A&M reflects a growing trend among public universities in Texas and beyond. Institutions like Texas Tech University System have enacted similar measures, prohibiting certain content unless deemed necessary for specific professional requirements.

As Texas A&M prepares for the spring semester starting on January 12, the implications of these policy changes on academic integrity and student education will continue to unfold.