Texas A&M president to step down after turmoil over gender identity lesson– thehill.com
Source Link
Excerpt:
Texas A&M University’s president Mark Welsh will step down on Friday after turmoil ignited over a gender identity lesson, the Texas A&M University System said on Thursday.
Welsh, a former Air Force pilot and Joint Chiefs of Staff member, has received blowback from Republican lawmakers in recent days over a viral video where a student challenged a professor, Melissa McCoul, regarding gender content in a children’s literature course.
State Rep. Brian Harrison (R) shared the Sept. 8 video after it blew up online and caught the attention of other Texas legislators. McCoul was fired days later. Two more administrators were removed, but the changes did not satisfy some lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R), who argued Welsh did not properly handle the situation.
“President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar said in a statement on Thursday. “We are grateful for his service and contributions. At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead.”
The school’s Board of Regent spearhead a national search for a permanent president and appoints an interim president to “ensure a seamless transition.”
