Texas A&M University has canceled a graduate-level ethics course just three days after the semester began, citing concerns that the class did not meet newly introduced system-wide standards governing how race, gender, and sexuality are discussed in classrooms. The move has sparked debate over academic freedom, transparency in syllabus review, and the broader impact of policy changes on higher education in Texas.According to AP News, the course had already held its first session before administrators stepped in to withdraw it, making the decision distinct from earlier cases where courses were modified or reviewed before classes began.
Why the course was cancelled
The course, Ethics and Public Policy (PSAA 642), was taught by Professor Leonard Bright at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. In a schoolwide email sent on Wednesday, Bush School Dean John Sherman said the cancellation was required under Texas A&M system policy.Sherman explained that Bright did not provide enough information about how race, gender, or related topics would be taught, despite repeated administrative requests. Without that information, the university said it could not determine whether the course complied with a policy that bars classes from advocating race or gender ideology unless they receive a special exemption.Courses that include these topics must be reviewed and approved by top university officials. According to a university spokesperson cited by AP News, departments have until Friday to submit courses for review, and final decisions are expected before the January 28 add-drop deadline.
Professor disputes university’s claim
Professor Bright has challenged the university’s explanation. In an interview with The Texas Tribune, he said he clearly informed administrators that issues of race, gender, and sexuality would arise throughout the course rather than being limited to specific lectures.“I told them it was going to come up every day,” Bright said, adding that discussions, case studies, and readings naturally involve these themes in ethics and public policy. “There is no one day. That’s how this class works.”Bright also said students were not required to agree with his views and that the course encouraged discussion rather than advocacy.
What the course covered
According to the syllabus reviewed by AP News, the course examined how race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other social identities influence public policy and the ethical responsibilities of public servants.One week of instruction focused on equity and social justice in public administration. Readings included material on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), critical race theory, and philosopher John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice.Bright noted that this was the only ethics course offered at the Bush School during the semester.
Impact on students
Initially, 10 students were enrolled in the course. After Bright informed the class that the course was under administrative review and could be canceled, two students chose to move to another class. The university has said it is assisting the remaining students in finding alternative courses.
University’s position on academic freedom
In his email, Dean Sherman said Bright’s course was one of two Bush School classes requiring exemptions from the vice provost of academic affairs. In the other case, administrators were able to seek approval because the syllabus contained sufficient detail, allowing that course to continue.“I take no pleasure in canceling a course,” Sherman wrote, according to AP News. “I want us to continue to teach hard topics and engage with controversial issues. But I also expect us to follow the approval process. Transparency does not equal censorship.”Emails obtained by The Texas Tribune show Bright was not asked to remove or revise any content before the course was canceled.
Broader impact across Texas campuses
The cancellation comes amid wider changes across Texas higher education. Last week, the dean of Texas A&M’s College of Arts and Sciences told faculty that around 200 courses could be affected by the new policy. In a separate case, a philosophy professor said he was asked to remove Plato readings related to race and gender or face reassignment, a claim the university later clarified by saying Plato himself was not banned.Bright, who has taught the ethics course since 2018, is also president of the Texas A&M chapter of the American Association of University Professors, which has publicly opposed the policy.
Background of the policy
As reported by AP News, the policy was approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents last year following backlash over a classroom discussion on gender identity that was secretly recorded and circulated online. The incident drew criticism from conservative activists and lawmakers and triggered reviews of course content across several public university systems in Texas, including Texas Tech.While no state or federal law bans discussions of race, gender, or sexuality in college classrooms, Texas law does require universities to post syllabi online. In response to recent controversies, some institutions have introduced additional administrative reviews for certain courses.University officials say decisions on course approvals and cancellations will be finalized before the end of the add-drop period, with potentially hundreds of courses facing changes under the new rules.With inputs from AP News
