The Texas Tech University System has implemented new restrictions on how race and gender can be discussed in classrooms, effective immediately. This policy prohibits professors from promoting any belief that suggests one race or sex is “inherently superior” to another. The initiative aligns with similar actions taken by the Texas A&M System in November 2023, highlighting a growing trend among Texas universities concerning the teaching of contentious topics.
Under the new guidelines, faculty members are barred from advocating for “race or sex-based prejudice.” Definitions provided in the policy specify that advocacy includes presenting these beliefs as correct and pressuring students to accept them. Additionally, professors cannot teach that there are more than two sexes, which is framed as a requirement under “state law and federal policy.”
Course content related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and race will now require approval from department and university leadership, as well as a committee from the Board of Regents. This mandate aims to ensure that all teaching aligns with the newly established standards. The changes affect roughly 64,000 students across the system’s five campuses.
Jared Creighton, the Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, stated that these measures are essential for complying with “state and federal law, Board of Regents policy, and Chancellor directives.” This policy is the first step in an ongoing review process of course content mandated by Senate Bill 37, which requires governing boards to evaluate the courses necessary for graduation.
Previous directives from former Chancellor Tedd Mitchell had already restricted discussions about gender, emphasizing compliance with both state and federal regulations. Mitchell referenced a presidential executive order that recognizes only two sexes and a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott to adhere to this interpretation.
While there is no explicit state law barring discussions on race, gender identity, or sexual orientation in Texas public universities, the new policy establishes strict boundaries. According to the guidelines, professors must not imply that individuals are “inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive” or suggest that discrimination based on race or sex is acceptable. They are also prohibited from teaching that individuals are responsible for the actions of others within the same racial or gender group.
Faculty will need to ensure that all course materials are “relevant and necessary for classroom instruction.” Any content that touches on “race or sex-based prejudice” will require approval from various university authorities. Noncompliance with these regulations could lead to disciplinary actions consistent with university policy and state law.
Critics of the policy, such as attorney Greg Greubel from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, have raised concerns about the potential for censorship. He argues that the vagueness of the rules could result in penalties for educators discussing controversial subjects like race and gender. Greubel states that these rules appear to reflect a specific state viewpoint on these issues, contradicting the fundamental mission of universities to engage students with diverse perspectives.
As the curriculum review process continues across Texas, Greubel urges both students and faculty to oppose restrictions on discussions of race and gender identity. He asserts that such limitations undermine the educational experience, arguing that it is “wrong for Texas Tech to do it,” and warns that other institutions may follow suit if not challenged.
The Texas Tech University System’s move underscores a significant shift in educational policies within the state, impacting how critical social issues are addressed in academic settings. As the landscape evolves, both students and educators will need to navigate these new parameters while advocating for a comprehensive educational experience.
