Texas A&M Committee Rules Professor’s Firing Over Gender Identity Lesson Was Unjustified

A Texas A&M University committee has ruled the institution was wrong to fire a professor. The dismissal followed a controversy over a classroom lesson about gender identity. The decision was made this week.

The internal faculty review board found the university did not follow its own procedures. It also stated there was no good cause for terminating Dr. Melissa McCoul. This ruling represents a significant development in the high-profile case.

Internal Review Finds Procedural Failures

The faculty committee voted unanimously that the summary dismissal was unjustified. According to Reuters, the panel’s recommendation is now with the interim president. A final decision is expected within days or weeks.

Dr. McCoul was a senior lecturer in the English department. She had more than a decade of teaching experience at the university. Her firing came after Republican lawmakers, including Governor Greg Abbott, demanded her termination.

The controversy began when a video of her class was posted online. It showed a student objecting to a discussion of a children’s book about a nonbinary character. The video quickly gained political attention and roiled the campus.

Political Pressure and Academic Freedom

The case highlights growing tensions in higher education. Universities are facing increased political pressure over curriculum content. This is especially true for topics related to gender and race.

McCoul’s lawyer argues the university capitulated to Governor Abbott’s demands. She believes the stated reasons for dismissal were a pretext. The dispute appears likely to head to court if the president rejects the committee’s finding.

The incident contributed to the resignation of former university president Mark Welsh. He did not cite the controversy in his resignation announcement. However, the timing suggests a clear connection.

The committee’s finding reinforces the importance of academic due process. It suggests political pressure should not override university procedures. The final outcome will be closely watched across academic institutions.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the gender identity lesson about?

The lesson involved a book titled “Jude Saves the World.” It tells the story of a middle schooler coming out as nonbinary. The book was part of a children’s literature course curriculum.

Who called for the professor’s termination?

Republican Governor Greg Abbott and other state lawmakers demanded her firing. This followed the online release of a classroom video. The video showed a student challenging the lesson’s legality.

What was the university’s stated reason for firing her?

The former president claimed the course content did not align with standard curriculum. He also said it failed to match the catalog description. The professor’s lawyer strongly disputes these claims.

Has the university changed any policies since this incident?

Yes. The Texas A&M Regents recently instituted a new policy. Professors must now get presidential approval to discuss certain race and gender topics in class.

What happens next in this case?

The interim president will review the committee’s nonbinding recommendation. He will make a final decision soon. Legal action is expected if the ruling is not upheld.