Professors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M System regents authorize settlement with former president
Details of the agreement with Mark A. Welsh III, who resigned as leader of the flagship university on Sept. 19, will not be revealed until it is finalized.
Posted in
Health care
Angelo State University bans classroom discussions of transgender identities, stirring criticism and confusion
Instead of a campus-wide announcement, faculty members say the restrictions have trickled down through department chairs and college meetings.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn nabs endorsements from 15 former GOP members of Congress in primary vs. Paxton
It’s a further sign of how the Washington establishment has consolidated behind the senior Texas senator, who is being backed by the Senate GOP’s campaign arm in his primary.
Posted in
Politics
Texas teachers, parents fear STAAR overhaul won’t take testing pressure off kids
Skeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.
Posted in
Guides
Here’s what the law says about protesting on Texas college campuses
Students can generally peacefully protest, regardless of their viewpoint, but colleges and authorities may enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order.
Posted in
Politics
Young Texas conservatives say Charlie Kirk’s death is galvanizing their religion-forward politics
Thousands gathered for the Texas Youth Summit, where speaker after speaker memorialized Kirk and encouraged young attendees to rise in his place.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III to step down after a week of turmoil over viral classroom video
Calls for Welsh’s ousting intensified over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity discussions in a children’s literature class.
Posted in
Politics
How a secret recording of a gender identity lecture upended Texas A&M
Officials have struggled to detail the exact reasons for the A&M professor’s termination, citing a technical issue with her course description. Faculty say the move was politically motivated.
Posted in
Higher Education
Students and professors defend Texas A&M President Mark Welsh amid calls for his ousting
Some lawmakers have called for Welsh to be fired over his handling of a student’s complaints about gender identity content being taught in a children’s literature class.
