The dean of Texas A&M University has announced his resignation following backlash over his handling of children’s literature lessons on gender, which sparked student opposition and criticism of classroom videos. This led to the dismissal of the professor.
The resignation of president Mark A. Wales III was confirmed on Thursday by Texas A&M University Systems Prime Minister Glenn Heger.
While Heger did not mention the controversial video in his statement, the decision comes amid turmoil on campus and scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, including the lieutenant governor of Texas.
“We believe this transition is essential to ensure Texas A&M is positioned for a future that demands bold leadership, continuous innovation, and unwavering commitment to the university’s core values to tackle the challenges we confront,” Heger stated.
Wales’ resignation will take effect on Friday, as reported by the university. The university system did not immediately reply to inquiries from the Associated Press.
The university also did not respond promptly to an email from Wales seeking a comment.
This decision follows Wales’ announcement that Campus Provost directed him to terminate Melissa McCall, a senior lecturer in the English department with over a decade of teaching experience, amid political pressure from Republican lawmakers, including Governor Greg Abbott, who called for her dismissal.
Wales stated he was removed after discovering that he continued to teach materials in a children’s literature course “which did not meet the reasonable expectations of the course’s standard curriculum.” He noted that the course content did not align with its catalog description.
McCall’s attorney, Amanda Reichek, countered this claim by asserting that “the course content is fully in line with the catalog and course description, and there was never an instruction to change it in any form.”
Wales also ordered the removal of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English department, while Heger mandated course audits at all 12 schools within the system.
Texas A&M’s actions have faced criticism from a coalition of faculty and writers.
Republican Lt. Dan Patrick criticized Wales and his handling of the instructor’s situation.
“His lack of clarity on the issue and dismissal of student concerns by siding with the professor is unacceptable,” Patrick posted on X last week.
Heger acknowledged Wales’ tireless and selfless efforts during his presidency, which began in 2023.
According to the university’s website, Wales previously served as the dean of the university’s government and public service schools after leaving the U.S. Air Force.
Source: apnews.com