Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell has instructed university presidents to acknowledge only two sexes in instruction and to align curricula with state and federal standards. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression argued the policy restricts academic freedom and may violate the First Amendment. A compliance directive has been issued for reviewing and revising course materials.
Mitchell said, “Regardless of personal views, in your role as a state employee, compliance with the law is required, and I trust in your professionalism to carry out these responsibilities in a manner that reflects well on our universities.”
Mitchell cited obligations to state and federal law, executive orders, and directives from President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, noting employees retain personal First Amendment rights but must comply while teaching.
Administrators must review syllabi and route questions through deans and provosts. Accrediting bodies have reportedly aided programs in balancing goals with legal requirements.
Equality Texas Executive Director Brad Pritchett said, “Free speech is the backbone of American Democracy. We cannot stand idly by while the lives of our trans neighbors are erased from the history books.”
Pritchett added, “Students deserve universities where professors fearlessly observe and question our world—limiting classroom discussion and research topics will only degrade our state’s standing in the world of academia.”
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression urged Angelo State University to lift restrictions on transgender topics, citing constitutional concerns and potential chilling of faculty speech.
Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.