Introduction to the Controversy
The Texas Tech University System has announced that it cannot teach students that there are more than two genders. This decision was made by Chancellor Tedd Mitchell in a memo to the system’s presidents. Mitchell stated that the guidance was necessary to comply with both state and federal law. He pointed to a presidential executive order that recognizes only two sexes and a letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that directed state agency heads to follow Trump’s order.
Understanding the Laws and Regulations
Mitchell also cited a new state law that directs government entities to define sex based on a person’s reproductive system. He acknowledged that faculty members have First Amendment rights in their personal capacity, but they must comply with these laws when instructing students. There is no state law that explicitly bans teaching or discussion of race, gender identity, and sexual orientation in Texas’ public universities. However, the new guidance from the Texas Tech University System has raised concerns about academic freedom and the limitations on what can be taught in the classroom.
Reaction to the Directive
Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, called the directive "censorship" and said the First Amendment protects classroom discussions about sex and gender. Steinbaugh stated that the exchange of ideas should be most free in a university classroom, and the First Amendment protects that exchange of ideas. The presidents at the system’s schools must now review and adjust course materials, curricula, syllabi, and other instructional documents according to the letter. The Texas Tech System, based in Lubbock, has five schools and serves around 64,000 students.
Background and Context
The directive comes after officials at Angelo State University, a school in the Texas Tech System, ordered faculty to not discuss transgender topics in their classes earlier this week. Brian Evans, president of the Texas conference of the American Association of University Professors, called it an "overt attempt to erase individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences" and a "sledgehammer to academic freedom." The memo also follows a controversy over gender identity teachings at Texas A&M University earlier this month. A viral classroom video of a student accusing a teacher of breaking the law by teaching that there are more than two genders sparked outrage from state leaders, including Abbott, who said the teacher "acted contrary to Texas law."
Related Controversies
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The video led to the lecturer’s firing and the resignation of Texas A&M’s former president Mark A. Welsh III.
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Future Developments
Mitchell is expected to step down from his role as Texas Tech’s chancellor after announcing his retirement in July. The school’s regents voted Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, as the sole finalist for the position earlier this month. The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas.
Conclusion
The Texas Tech University System’s decision to prohibit the teaching of more than two genders has sparked controversy and raised concerns about academic freedom. The directive has been criticized as censorship, and its impact on students and faculty remains to be seen. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the potential consequences of such policies on education and society as a whole.
FAQs
Q: What is the Texas Tech University System’s policy on teaching gender identity?
A: The Texas Tech University System has announced that it cannot teach students that there are more than two genders.
Q: What laws and regulations support this policy?
A: The policy is based on a presidential executive order that recognizes only two sexes, a letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, and a new state law that defines sex based on a person’s reproductive system.
Q: How has the academic community reacted to this policy?
A: The policy has been criticized as censorship, and many have expressed concerns about its impact on academic freedom and the limitations on what can be taught in the classroom.
Q: What are the potential consequences of this policy?
A: The policy may have significant consequences for students, faculty, and the academic community, including limiting the discussion of gender identity and potentially erasing individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Q: Who is expected to replace Chancellor Tedd Mitchell?
A: Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, has been voted as the sole finalist for the position of chancellor.
