News Summary
In response to Texas Senate Bill 37, two professors at the University of Houston have established the Faux Faculty Senate to advocate for faculty concerns. The bill alters faculty governance, undermining the official Faculty Senate. The Faux Faculty Senate aims to provide a platform for discussion and representation amid these changes, holding informal gatherings to ensure faculty voices continue to be heard. As the university navigates compliance with the new law, the impact on faculty power and decision-making roles remains a point of contention.
Houston — Two associate professors from the University of Houston (UH), Dr. Maria C. Gonzalez and Dr. David Mazella, have announced the formation of a new group called the “Faux Faculty Senate.” This initiative is a direct response to Senate Bill 37, a Texas state law that has significantly altered the structure of faculty governance at educational institutions, including UH, effectively dismantling the official Faculty Senate as of July 31, 2025.
The recent legislation stipulates that bodies representing faculty members can only maintain half of their membership through elections by faculty, while the other half will be appointed by the institution’s president. Dr. Gonzalez had previously been elected to the Faculty Senate for a term that was set to begin on August 1, 2025, before the law took effect and disbanded the official body.
In light of these changes, the Faux Faculty Senate aims to create an alternative platform for faculty to voice their concerns, ensuring that faculty representation continues in some form, despite legislative restrictions. Monthly gatherings will occur at local Happy Hour events, providing opportunities for discussion and information sharing among faculty members, and will be entirely funded through the personal resources of those involved.
Dr. Gonzalez has taken on the role of president of the Faux Faculty Senate, while Dr. Mazella will serve as president-elect. The organization is set to conduct its first official meeting, details of which will be announced in the near future.
As mandated by the new law, the University of Houston is reportedly in compliance, indicating plans to establish a new Faculty Council designed to ensure faculty representation under the revised governance structure. However, critics argue that this council will hold weaker authority, as the law provides governing boards greater control over faculty councils and effectively diminishes faculty influence in university oversight.
Senate Bill 37 is part of a broader statewide movement that aims to limit faculty power in university governance, reflecting ongoing tensions between administrative oversight and faculty autonomy. The law’s implementation is seen by some as a measure of control that restricts the traditional roles faculty have played in decision-making processes at colleges and universities throughout Texas.
Dr. Mazella emphasized that the Faux Faculty Senate’s meetings will focus on serious discussions regarding significant issues in higher education, representing a space for faculty members to engage in meaningful dialogue despite the group’s lack of official status. The establishment of this group signifies a commitment from members of the faculty to continue advocating for their interests and ensure their voices are heard, even without formal recognition.
The developments at the University of Houston illustrate the challenges faced by faculty individuals in navigating changes brought on by state legislation, particularly in terms of their governance roles. As universities adapt to the implications of Senate Bill 37, the Faux Faculty Senate stands as an example of faculty adaptation in the face of legislative constraints.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: University of Houston Faculty Senate
- Statesman: Texas Senate Higher Education Subcommittee Hearing
- Houston Chronicle: Senate Priority Bill Curbs Faculty Influence
- Inside Higher Ed: Texas Presidents May Soon Control Faculty Senates
- Houston Chronicle: University of St. Thomas Houston Faculty Group
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
