Texas Universities Launch Systemwide Reviews of Gender Instruction Amid Legal Compliance Push

Texas public universities, including the University of Texas System, Texas Tech University System, and Texas A&M University System, are conducting extensive reviews and audits of gender studies and gender identity-related courses to ensure compliance with state laws and directives from political leaders, including President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott. These actions follow controversies sparked by classroom discussions on gender identity and viral videos, leading to firings and resignations at Texas A&M. The Texas Tech University System has specifically instructed faculty to teach only a binary view of gender in compliance with new state laws and executive orders. Faculty and LGBTQ+ advocates express concerns that these measures threaten academic freedom and restrict discussions on transgender and nonbinary identities. Although no current law explicitly bans teaching about gender diversity in higher education, the universities face intense scrutiny from politicians and activists, prompting broad curricular reviews framed as legal compliance efforts. The UT System plans to discuss the outcomes of its review at the upcoming Board of Regents meeting, highlighting ongoing tensions between educational institutions and political pressures in Texas.