Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.
Higher Education
Coverage of universities, colleges, student issues, and education policy shaping Texas’ campuses, from The Texas Tribune.
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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.
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Higher Education
Texas State University professor fired again after court revoked initial firing over “inciting violence”
A Texas State spokesperson said Monday evening that the professor’s employment had been “terminated, effective immediately” after a university review.
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Higher Education
Texas A&M regents name Christian Hardigree president of newly acquired Victoria campus
System Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents chair have stood by the new president amid criticism from some conservatives about her previous work around diversity and equity.
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Higher Education
Some Texas community colleges remove course materials amid broader push to limit gender identity discussions
At least two community colleges, Alvin and Blinn, are also considering what they can and can’t teach to high schoolers enrolled in their fast-growing dual credit courses.
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Higher Education
Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answers
Faculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.
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Higher Education
What we know about Texas colleges reviewing courses amid push to limit gender identity instruction
The federal and state governments want restrictions on recognizing trans and nonbinary people. Here’s how Texas’ higher education leaders are responding.