Texas A&M President Resigns After Viral Video Controversy
What started as a classroom argument, fueled by a viral video and political pressure, has ended with the president of Texas A&M stepping down.
Texas A&M University is going through big changes.
The controversy began when a viral video showed a student interrupting her professor, claiming lessons on “gender ideology” were illegal.
“I'm not entirely sure this is legal to be teaching because, according to our president, there are only 2 genders...so I am not going to participate in this because it's not legal and I don't want to promote something that is against our president's laws,” the student is heard arguing in the now viral clip.
Soon after, President Welsh removed two administrators who approved the class plans. At first, he refused to fire the professor, but under pressure, he later reversed course and dismissed them.
Pushback and political influence lead to resignation.
That decision sparked even more tension. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick publicly pushed for Welsh’s removal, raising questions in a time when many Americans are already worried about government overreach.
After the pushback, Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar shared a statement. He called Welsh “a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” but added that “this is the right moment to change.” Soon after, Welsh officially stepped down as president.
Now, the university will start a national search to find a new leader. It’s a major moment for Texas A&M, one of the most well-known schools in the state.
One president is out while another is coming in.
At the same time, another A&M campus is preparing for new leadership. Texas A&M University-Victoria announced Christian E. Hardigree, J.D., as the only finalist for its president job. Hardigree has years of experience in higher education and is expected to officially take the position after the state’s waiting period is over.
So while one A&M president is leaving, another is about to begin.
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