The president of Texas A&M University will step down amid fury over alleged ‘transgender indoctrination’ after a children’s literature course recognized more than two genders.
Mark A. Welsh III will leave his role from Friday, according to the university’s Board of Regents.
It comes just days after the lecturer of the course, Melissa McCoul, was fired. Two other administrators were also removed.
‘President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,’ Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar said in a statement.
‘At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead.’
Video had emerged of a student arguing with McCoul in the classroom over her teachings.
Texas State Rep Biran Harrison posted the video with the caption “CAUGHT ON TAPE: TEXAS A&M STUDENT KICKED OUT OF CLASS AFTER OBJECTING TO TRANSGENDER INDOCTRINATION… and A&M President defends ‘LGBTQ Studies.’”
In the video, the student cited President Donald Trump and maintained there are only two genders.
Mark A. Welsh III will leave his role from Friday, according to the university’s Board of Regents
‘I’m not entirely sure this is legal to be teaching because, according to our president, there’s only two genders,’ the student said.
‘He said that he would be freezing agencies’ funding programs that promote gender ideology.
‘And this also very much goes against not only myself but a lot of people’s religious beliefs, and so I am not going to participate in this because it’s not legal.’
Dr. McCoul responded: ‘You are under a misconception that what I’m saying is illegal.’
The confrontation caught the attention of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who criticized university staff for allowing McCoul to ‘blatantly indoctrinate students in gender ideology.’
McCoul said through her lawyer that her termination was a violation of constitutional rights and vowed to appeal the decision.
Prior to his decision to step down, Welsh had admitted the class, called ‘Literature for Children,’ was not aligned with the school’s expectations.
The president of Texas A&M University will step down amid fury over a children’s literature course which recognizes more than two genders
He said the description of the course also did not match the content which was being taught.
‘This isn’t about academic freedom; it’s about academic responsibility,’ he said at the time.
‘Our degree programs and courses go through extensive approval processes, and we must ensure that what we ultimately deliver to students is consistent with what was approved.’
Students have vowed to gather on the steps at the time Welsh is due to leave the school to give him a final send off.
