Texas Tech System Cancels Academic Programs Focused on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
The Texas Tech University System has ordered its five campuses to phase out academic programs centered on sexual orientation and gender identity. Chancellor Brandon Creighton issued a memo requiring provosts to identify targeted programs by June 15, freezing admissions and halting new major declarations in these areas. While currently enrolled students may complete their degrees, future faculty hiring will align with these restrictions. The policy mandates that faculty recognize only two human sexes and prohibits teaching gender identity as a spectrum. Course materials centered on these topics are banned in lower-level courses, though exceptions exist for specific historical or clinical contexts. Affected programs likely include women’s and gender studies minors at Texas Tech, Midwestern State, and Angelo State universities. Faculty expressed feelings of betrayal, noting previous assurances that research would remain unaffected. Students reported confusion and concern over the integrity of their education, with some regretting their enrollment. This directive expands earlier policies limiting how gender concepts are taught, signaling a significant shift in the university system's academic freedom and curriculum standards regarding LGBTQ+ topics.
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Texas Tech System Cancels Academic Programs Focused on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
The Texas Tech University System has ordered its five campuses to phase out academic programs centered on sexual orientation and gender identity. Chancellor Brandon Creighton issued a memo requiring provosts to identify targeted programs by June 15, freezing admissions and halting new major declarations in these areas. While currently enrolled students may complete their degrees, future faculty hiring will align with these restrictions. The policy mandates that faculty recognize only two human sexes and prohibits teaching gender identity as a spectrum. Course materials centered on these topics are banned in lower-level courses, though exceptions exist for specific historical or clinical contexts. Affected programs likely include women’s and gender studies minors at Texas Tech, Midwestern State, and Angelo State universities. Faculty expressed feelings of betrayal, noting previous assurances that research would remain unaffected. Students reported confusion and concern over the integrity of their education, with some regretting their enrollment. This directive expands earlier policies limiting how gender concepts are taught, signaling a significant shift in the university system's academic freedom and curriculum standards regarding LGBTQ+ topics.
AP News