Susan Ballabina takes charge of the state’s largest public university after previous leaders faced political backlash.
Glenn Hegar
Posted in
Higher Education
Protesters challenge premise of Texas A&M civil discourse symposium amid new restrictions
Some students said the message of the forum, headlined by former Vice President Mike Pence, rang hollow as the university has placed limits on what professors can teach.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ comptroller is the state’s top accountant. The candidates are campaigning on culture wars.
Don Huffines, Christi Craddick and Kelly Hancock are talking more about fighting DEI, trans athletes and illegal immigration than the office’s traditional fiscal duties.
Posted in
State Government
Texas law barring state investment in firms boycotting fossil fuels declared unconstitutional
A judge ruled Senate Bill 13, passed in 2021, violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The law prevented state investments in firms it deemed as boycotting oil and gas companies.
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Higher Education
Fired after gender identity lesson, professor sues Texas A&M, arguing her free speech rights were violated
Melissa McCoul, arguing she was fired to appease political critics, is seeking to get her job back and other restitution.
Posted in
Higher Education
Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firing, removals
After the video fueled outrage, a professor was fired and two college leaders removed from their administrative roles for approving content inconsistent with the course’s description.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M System’s new leader hints faculty senates in state leaders’ crosshairs will stay
In an interview with the Tribune, Chancellor Glenn Hegar also said he would prioritize student outcomes over big projects and skirted questions about diversity and academic freedom.
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Politics
Former Texas state Sen. Kelly Hancock to become acting comptroller, run for permanent job
Hancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, announced his candidacy shortly after being sworn in as chief clerk at the comptroller’s office.
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Energy
Texas allows state agency investment in BlackRock after firm steps away from climate initiatives
The firm’s removal from a state list of companies “boycotting” the fossil fuel industry was lauded by Comptroller Glenn Hegar as a “meaningful victory” for Texas’ energy economy.
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Higher Education
Texas A&M Board of Regents names Glenn Hegar as university system’s next leader
Hegar, who currently serves as Texas comptroller, will replace A&M Chancellor John Sharp in leading the 157,000-student system.
