Texas A&M University has announced the discontinuation of its Women’s and Gender Studies degree program, a decision made by interim president Tommy Williams amid low enrollment and financial considerations. This follows a course review initiated after a student’s confrontation with a professor over gender identity sparked political backlash.
The program offered a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a minor, and a graduate certificate, but will no longer accept new students. Currently enrolled students can complete their studies within six semesters. Critics, including faculty members, highlight that the program fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and valuable educational opportunities.
The university’s decision comes in the wake of policies limiting discussions on race and gender, with reports indicating that around 200 courses were potentially affected. In total, six courses were canceled, including those addressing race and ethics. Faculty leaders argue that these cancellations and revisions significantly undermine academic freedom and core educational values.
National advocacy group PEN America criticized the decision as a threat to academic freedom, asserting that restricting course content limits students’ access to knowledge. Texas A&M has previously made similar cuts, sparking controversy around conservative pressures on curriculum decisions.
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