Texas Tech University System’s Chancellor, Tedd L. Mitchell, has instructed university leaders to formally acknowledge only two sexes: male and female. He stressed that all staff must conform to these new directives, irrespective of their personal beliefs.

In his memo, Mitchell emphasized that universities must comply with both state and federal laws as well as executive orders from President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. He framed this compliance as a crucial duty entrusted to public institutions.

The existing laws and directives, as outlined in Texas House Bill 229, the Governor’s statement, and an Executive Order, recognize only the two traditional sexes of male and female.

Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. (iStock)

Although Mitchell did not directly mention any specific incidents, he referenced “recent developments” at Texas universities that underscore the importance of these compliance duties.

Faculty are directed to bring questions to their deans and provosts.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has condemned a similar policy at Angelo State University, where faculty are prohibited from discussing transgender topics or suggesting there are more than two genders, both in lectures and course materials.

FIRE sent a letter to Angelo State on Tuesday, arguing that such restrictions infringe upon the First Amendment, urging the university to rescind the policy immediately.

Texas Tech and FIRE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.