Texas A&M Cancels Women’s and Gender Studies Program
Texas A&M University has announced the discontinuation of its Women’s and Gender Studies program. This decision highlights a significant shift in the university’s approach towards academic offerings amid growing political scrutiny.
Program Cancellation Details
The program will cease operations due to low enrollment figures and financial considerations. Interim President Tommy Williams made this announcement alongside a broader course review initiated after a student’s viral confrontation with a professor regarding gender content. The review scrutinized how race and gender are discussed within classroom settings.
Enrollment and Offerings
- 25 students were pursuing a major in Women’s and Gender Studies.
- 31 students were enrolled for a minor in the discipline.
- Courses included bachelor’s degrees, a minor, and a graduate certificate.
Current students will be permitted to complete their degrees over a span of six semesters. However, the program will not accept new students moving forward.
Faculty Concerns and Academic Freedom
The Women’s and Gender Studies program, an interdisciplinary initiative without dedicated tenure-line faculty, has been praised for fostering collaboration across various departments. Associate Professor Chaitanya Lakkimsetti expressed disappointment, noting the program’s role in promoting essential academic discourse.
In response to this cancellation, PEN America criticized Texas A&M for stifling academic freedom. Amy Reid from PEN America stated that limiting discussions on race and gender represents a form of ideological control detrimental to educational access.
Broader Policy Implications
This cancellation comes in the wake of a controversial policy implemented by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. This policy restricts discussions of race and gender unless exceptions are granted by campus leadership.
Recent findings revealed that nearly 5,400 course syllabi were evaluated, resulting in the cancellation of six courses, which was only a fraction of the courses reviewed. Critics, including faculty leaders, argue that the true impact is much broader than the official statistics suggest.
Recent Academic Trends at Texas A&M
Texas A&M has made similar cuts previously, such as the elimination of an LGBTQ+ studies minor in 2024, largely attributed to external criticism. As the university prepares for future discussions regarding low-performing academic programs, the focus will likely remain on themes of enrollment, financial stewardship, and academic freedom.
