News Summary
Texas A&M University has announced the termination of its women’s and gender studies program following new directives from the Texas A&M University System regents. This change reflects the university’s compliance with updated policies that restrict the teaching of topics related to race, gender, and sexual orientation. The decision comes in light of low enrollment numbers and emphasizes a shift towards maintaining institutional integrity and academic standards. Current students will be allowed to complete their degrees, but no new enrollments will be accepted.
Houston, TX — The landscape of higher education in Texas is continually evolving, reflecting broader discussions on academic curricula and institutional governance. Texas A&M University, a prominent institution within the state’s educational framework, has recently announced a significant change to its academic offerings. This adjustment underscores the dynamic nature of university programs and their alignment with updated system policies. The university’s decision to end its women’s and gender studies program follows the adoption of new directives by the Texas A&M University System regents. These policy changes are shaping how topics related to race, gender, and sexual orientation are approached within the academic environment, emphasizing institutional adherence to new guidelines while aiming to foster academic discipline and responsible scholarship.
New System Policy Framework
The Texas A&M University System regents formally adopted a new policy in November 2025. This comprehensive policy establishes guidelines for courses that may be seen as advocating for “race and gender ideology or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity”. The policy defines “race ideology” as attempts to shame a particular race or ethnicity or to promote activism on issues related to race or ethnicity rather than academic instruction. “Gender ideology” is defined as a concept where self-assessed gender identity replaces or disconnects from the biological category of sex, or suggests biological sex has less value or legitimacy than gender identity. Furthermore, the policy prohibits faculty from teaching material inconsistent with the approved syllabus for each course. These policies went into effect immediately, with enforcement beginning in spring 2026. Committee chair Sam Torn stated that a rigorous review of university courses would accompany these policy changes, with the goal to ensure the university is “educating, not advocating, and that we are teaching what we say we are going to teach”. The new framework is intended to ensure consistency in academic content and to align curriculum with the broader institutional vision for education, promoting academic freedom within defined boundaries and fostering a focused educational environment.
Conclusion of Women’s and Gender Studies Program
Following the implementation of the new system policy, Texas A&M University officials announced the conclusion of the women’s and gender studies program. This decision directly stems from the new directives that impact the teaching of race and gender issues. The university stated that this program’s elimination also considered limited student interest based on enrollment over several years. The women’s and gender studies program at Texas A&M was an interdisciplinary offering, relying on professors from various departments rather than having its own tenure-line faculty. Students currently enrolled in the program will be permitted to complete their degrees over the next six semesters, but no new students will be accepted into the program. Interim President Tommy Williams stated that “Strong oversight and standards protect academic integrity and restore public trust, guaranteeing that a degree from Texas A&M means something to our students and the people who will hire them”. The university is navigating these changes to ensure all programs meet the updated standards set forth by the regents, focusing on delivering high-quality education that prepares students for leadership and community impact within the revised academic structure.
Curricular Adaptations Across Departments
The ramifications of the new policies extend beyond a single program. Administrators and professors across Texas A&M University are actively engaged in reviewing and changing hundreds of courses. This extensive review process involved examining 5,400 course syllabi for the spring semester. Six courses were canceled as a result, which represents approximately 0.11% of the total courses offered this semester. These canceled undergraduate courses included “Introduction to Race and Ethnicity,” “Religions of the World,” “Ethics in Public Policy,” “Diversity in Sport Organizations,” “Cultural Leadership and Exploration for Society,” and “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Development Organizations”. Additionally, 48 exceptions were granted for certain non-core or graduate-level courses that require discussions of restricted topics and serve a necessary educational purpose, with approval from the campus president. These modifications are necessary to comply with the new limitations placed on the teaching of race and gender issues. This extensive review highlights the commitment to aligning the entire curriculum with the adopted system-wide guidelines, demonstrating academic rigor in adapting to new institutional directives. The process involves careful consideration to ensure that educational content continues to meet high standards while adhering to policy requirements. University officials have reassured the campus that academic advisers will ensure these changes do not disrupt students’ progress toward graduation.
Impact on Academic Development
The adjustments at Texas A&M University reflect a broader trend in higher education towards reevaluating curriculum content and program offerings in light of evolving institutional policies. The system’s new policies require campus presidents to approve any course seen as advocating “race or gender ideology” or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This movement emphasizes the importance of academic programs in fostering leadership qualities and contributing positively to the community. Universities, as pillars of innovation and knowledge, regularly assess their programs to ensure they remain relevant and impactful, aligning with both academic excellence and societal expectations. The modifications are a testament to the university’s discipline in adapting its educational framework, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas of growth, innovation, and student demand. This process is part of a responsibility to be disciplined stewards of taxpayer resources and to ensure courses serve students, communities, and the state effectively, while maintaining academic responsibility.
Community and Educational Ecosystem Engagement
While specific program changes are internal university matters, their broader implications resonate within the Texas TX higher education landscape and its economic ecosystem. Ensuring that academic offerings align with established guidelines and institutional values is a critical aspect of responsible governance. For students, this means an academic environment shaped by clearly defined principles, encouraging them to pursue intellectual growth and personal responsibility within the university’s updated framework. The university’s actions highlight a dedication to maintaining academic integrity and public trust. Staying informed about these developments is essential for anyone interested in the future of education and its impact on the community. These strategic adjustments underscore a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving educational environment in Texas. This commitment ensures that institutions like Texas A&M continue to play a vital role in shaping the future leaders of the state and nation.
The decision by Texas A&M University to conclude its women’s and gender studies program in response to new system policies marks a notable shift in its academic direction. These changes, adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents in November 2025, aim to refine the approach to race, gender, and sexual orientation topics within the curriculum. As universities across Texas continue to adapt and evolve, HEREhouston.com encourages readers to explore the diverse range of programs available at Houston-area colleges and universities, attend campus events, and remain engaged with the dynamic developments shaping our local Houston TX college news community. This ongoing evolution underscores the commitment of institutions to academic excellence and preparing students to be future leaders.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| University | Texas A&M University |
| Program Affected | Women’s and Gender Studies |
| Reason for Change | New policy on race and gender topics |
| Policy Adopted By | Texas A&M University System regents |
| Policy Adoption Date | November 2025 |
| Impact on Courses | Hundreds of courses changed; six courses canceled |
| Canceled Courses Percentage | Approximately 0.11% of 5,400 courses offered |
| Policy Scope | Limits teaching advocating “race or gender ideology, or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity” |
| Exceptions Granted | 48 exceptions for certain courses |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Texas A&M University ending its women’s and gender studies program?
Texas A&M University is ending its women’s and gender studies program due to a new policy adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents on race and gender topics.
When was the new policy adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents?
The new policy was adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents in November 2025.
What is the scope of the new policy adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents?
The new policy adopted by the Texas A&M University System regents limits topics related to race, gender, or sexual orientation.
How has the new policy impacted other courses at Texas A&M University?
The new policies limiting the teaching of race and gender issues led administrators and professors to change hundreds of courses across the university, with six courses canceled and 48 exceptions granted.
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