The president of Texas A&M University stepped down after a widely shared incident involving a professor and a student concerning the inclusion of gender topics in a children’s literature class.
Mark Welsh’s resignation is set to go into effect on Sept. 19 at 5 p.m., according to a statement from Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
“President Welsh, a person of integrity, has led Texas A&M with unwavering commitment,” expressed Hegar. “We appreciate his service and contributions and agree that this is the opportune time for a transition to ensure Texas A&M’s future success.”
The issue arose after a student recorded a confrontation with a professor about a lesson addressing more than two genders. This video quickly gained widespread attention online.
The student argued that the content of the lesson was illegal, referencing an executive order from President Donald Trump, which recognizes only two genders and restricts federal funding from supporting “gender ideology.”
The professor, later identified as Melissa McCoul, told the student the lesson was not illegal and that the student was free to leave.
McCoul was later fired.
Following the video’s spread, Welsh decided to dismiss Emily Johansen, head of the university’s English Department, and Mark Zoran, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, citing their approval of content that didn’t match the course’s official description.
Additionally, McCoul’s termination notice reportedly criticized her teaching approach for not adhering to the prescribed course outline and not adjusting her teaching methods to fit the approved description.
Through her lawyer, McCoul has disputed those allegations, saying she was never told to change her course.
The university’s Board of Regents will appoint an interim president in the coming days as a search for a permanent president begins.
