Texas A&M University president announces resignation following controversy surrounding a classroom video
Texas A&M University Settles with Journalism Professor, President Resigns Amid Controversy
In a series of developments, Texas A&M University has reached a $1 million settlement with a journalism professor over a hiring controversy and the university's president, Mark A. Welsh III, has resigned.
The controversy began when Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer in the English department, was fired for teaching content in a children's literature course that did not align with the standard curriculum for the course. The course content was also found to be not matching its catalog descriptions.
The decision to resign comes just over a week after Mark A. Welsh III announced the firing of Melissa McCoul due to pressure from Republican lawmakers. The actions taken by Texas A&M University in response to the controversy have been criticized by faculty and writers' groups.
The resignation of Mark A. Welsh III is effective from Friday. He previously worked as dean of the university's school of government and public service before becoming president. His tenure as president has been praised for being tireless and selfless.
However, his handling of the instructor and the controversy was criticized by Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. The resignation was also due to a classroom video showing a student objecting to a gender-focused children's literature lesson.
Texas State Rep. Matt Krause is investigating 850 books on race and gender that could potentially cause discomfort to students. This investigation has added to the controversy surrounding the university's handling of academic freedom.
In a positive turn of events, Kathleen McElroy, a graduate from Texas A&M University's Class of 1981, has been appointed as the Director of Journalism in the Department of Communication and Journalism. McElroy has a diverse journalism career, including work with The Battalion, The Eagle, The New York Times, and other publications.
An audit of courses at all 12 schools in the Texas A&M University System has been ordered by Chancellor Glenn Hegar. The search results do not specify who will succeed Mark A. Welsh III as president of Texas A&M University.
The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mark A. Welsh III and a request for a copy of his resignation letter. The settlement is related to the controversy surrounding the firing of Melissa McCoul.
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