AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott shared in a social media post over the weekend that the state is ‘targeting’ certain educators for pushing political agendas.

It comes after a UT Austin professor claimed he was ousted from a leadership position for ‘ideological differences’ in September.

Psychology professor Art Markman, who has been with the university for 27 years, shared that he lost his leadership position in the provost’s office in a LinkedIn post last week.

“The leadership at the University of Texas dismissed me from my academic administration role due to ideological differences,” he wrote.

This weekend, Governor Greg Abbott shared an article about Markman, condemning “indoctrination” by professors. He wrote on ‘X’:

“Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation.”

Just weeks ago, Texas A&M President Mark Welsh resigned following criticism over a viral lesson on gender identity.

A Texas State professor also lost his job over comments during an off-campus socialism conference.

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Cal Jillson, political science professor at Southern Methodist University, said political influence over universities has been prevalent throughout the state’s history.

“This is somewhere we’ve been before regularly over the course of Texas history,” said Jillson. “Over the last 100 years, the University of Texas and Texas A&M have been taken apart and rebuilt half a dozen times.”

It comes as new Texas laws, like Senate Bill 37, focus on giving more power to governor-appointed regents.

The regents have influence over the faculty and the courses that make it to campus.

A new Abbott-appointed ombudsman is also set to investigate complaints against alleged DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) violations at public universities.

“Both the governor and lieutenant governor have pushed for more control over universities in what they teach, who’s hired to teach,” Jillson said. “And whenever the universities push back, it angers them and they lash out.”

In an email on Monday, Markman responded to the attention his post has received. He wrote:

“My only comment is that the LinkedIn post that seems to have started this story was focused on my gratitude to my mom, who passed away in September, and to all of the faculty, staff, and students who have enriched my 27 years at UT. I would prefer to focus on that gratitude than to get caught up in these political discussions. Here is a link to the post.”

Jillson said the level of disruption Texas public universities are seeing will likely have lasting side effects.

“Universities have to have stability, like any other major institution, to plan long-term, execute those plans, improve, develop, and grow,” he said.

UT Austin declined to comment on Markman’s removal.