Art Markman mentioned in a LinkedIn post that he was dismissed from his senior provost position over “ideological differences.”

AUSTIN, Texas — A LinkedIn post by a University of Texas at Austin professor sparked a conversation about academic freedom at universities. 

What was introduced as an update and described as a particular difficult September month by Art Markman led to the revelation that he was dismissed from his administrative role as senior provost of academic affairs over “ideological differences.”

Those differences weren’t elaborated on. 

On Monday, Markman declined to do an interview, but emailed KVUE and said he wanted to focus on the positive.

“I have deep gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students at the University of Texas who make this institution great. I am proud of what I and my teams have achieved in my leadership roles at UT.”

Markman confirmed he was still part of UT’s faculty at the College of Liberal Arts with a primary appointment in Psychology.

In his post, it was stated he would announce “a new chapter” in the coming weeks. 

The post reached Gov. Greg Abbott, which mentioned Texas professors pushing a a leftist agenda and stating, “We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education.”

Professor emeritus, Douglas Laycock, with UT’s law school said Markman’s dismissal isn’t unusual, but it speaks to a broader issue that could threaten academic freedom. 

“Senior officials who disagree with their superiors are often [the ones] who end up leaving voluntarily or involuntary, so by itself it’s not a big deal,” said Laycock. “Faculty are intimidated, and some of them are continuing to say what they think, and some of them are lying low and keeping their mouth shut.”

In regard to Abbott’s comment, Laycock called it propaganda. 

“This had nothing to do with Markman’s teaching, it’s about his role in the administration, but the claim that universities are indoctrinating their students is just wildly exaggerated,” said Laycock. 

KVUE reached out to UT. A spokesperson for the university said they do not comment on personnel matters.