Texas A&M President Mark Welsh Resigns Following Controversy Over Gender Identity Lesson
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Mark A. Welsh III, the president of Texas A&M University, announced his resignation on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with his final day on the job set for Friday, September 19, 2025. His departure follows significant backlash stemming from a viral video depicting a student confronting a professor about curriculum concerning gender identity in a classroom setting. This unfolding news has ignited a fervent debate over academic freedom and political influence in higher education within Texas.
The Catalyst: A Viral Classroom Confrontation
The controversy erupted after a video, reportedly filmed during a summer children’s literature course, surfaced online. In the footage, a student expresses discomfort with the course material, stating that teaching there are more than two genders contradicts their religious beliefs and an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The professor, later identified as senior lecturer Melissa McCoul, is heard asserting her right to teach the material and advising the student they could leave if uncomfortable. State Representative Brian Harrison, a Texas A&M alumnus, shared the video, labeling it “DEI and LGBTQ indoctrination” and calling for the university president’s dismissal.
Escalating Pressure and Administrative Actions
The video quickly gained traction, triggering intense political pressure from Republican lawmakers, including Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. Initially, President Welsh stated that firing the professor was “not happening”. However, under mounting political scrutiny, Welsh reversed course. He announced the professor’s termination and the demotion of two key administrators – the dean and head of the English Department within the College of Arts and Sciences – citing that they had approved course content inconsistent with the published catalog descriptions.
A “Man of Honor” Steps Down
Despite these actions, calls for President Welsh’s resignation persisted. In a statement announcing Welsh’s departure, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar described Welsh as “a man of honor” who had led the university with “selfless dedication.” Hegar added that “now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead”. The Board of Regents confirmed the resignation and indicated that an interim president would be appointed while a national search for a permanent successor commences. Welsh’s tenure, which began in July 2023 as interim president and officially in December 2023, was marked by his background as a retired four-star general in the U.S. Air Force, having previously served as Chief of Staff and as dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
Broader Implications for Academic Freedom
The rapid series of events has alarmed faculty members and free speech advocates, who contend that the university’s response, particularly the professor’s firing, signifies a dangerous precedent for academic freedom in Texas. Organizations like PEN America have voiced concerns that such actions “suffocate free speech and open inquiry on campus” and that faculty are being put on notice to avoid teaching topics that might displease politicians. Professor McCoul’s attorney stated that she has appealed her termination and that her client had taught the course for years without prior issue. The Texas A&M System has also initiated a comprehensive audit of courses across its 12 universities to ensure alignment with published descriptions and applicable laws.
This situation underscores the increasingly trending intersection of political discourse, social media, and higher education, raising critical questions about the boundaries of academic responsibility and the protection of intellectual inquiry in the Texas academic landscape. The resignation of President Welsh marks a significant development, placing the news of institutional response and academic freedom at the forefront for Texas higher education. This event will likely be featured in ongoing discussions about these complex issues.
