Welsh had pushed for a full payout of the remainder of his contract, something that appears to have been a source of tension between Welsh and top administrators, records show.
Higher Education
Coverage of universities, colleges, student issues, and education policy shaping Texas’ campuses, from The Texas Tribune.
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Higher Education
Federal appeals court will reconsider West Texas A&M drag show ban
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday tossed a three-judge panel’s earlier ruling that found the ban violated students’ free speech rights. The court’s 17 judges will rehear the case.
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Higher Education
More first-generation students in Texas are applying for college
Experts say the increase in applicants, which has more than tripled in the last five years, stems from getting extra support in the application process.
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2025 Texas Elections
Texas State Technical College looks to voters to fund upgrades for old buildings and tools
Proposition 1 would create an $850 million endowment for the college system and its 11 campuses, which are struggling to accommodate a growing student population.
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Higher Education
Texas higher education enrollment reaches all-time high
Student enrollment at Texas colleges topped 1.6 million as of fall 2025, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
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Higher Education
Texas Republicans are redefining higher ed. It’s creating confusion about free speech on campuses.
Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
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Higher Education
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Once considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
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Higher Education
Texas AG Ken Paxton to investigate UNT for not disciplining students accused of celebrating Charlie Kirk killing
Paxton called on the university to expel the students. Free speech experts have previously criticized state leaders who laud Kirk as a free speech champion while seeking to discipline those who have celebrated his death.
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Higher Education
Gov. Greg Abbott names head of new office to investigate higher ed complaints
Supporters say the office will bring needed accountability to Texas universities, while faculty groups have said that, without due process protections, it is ripe for abuse.
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Higher Education
Harrison vs. higher ed: How one lawmaker is weaponizing social media to eradicate LGBTQ+ curriculum
Harrison has been on a crusade against Texas universities, scouring course catalogs and university websites for examples of “gender ideology” or LGBTQ+ curriculum, and riling up his X followers about “liberal indoctrination” on campuses.