Texas A&M University’s president will step down after facing criticism over his handling of turmoil over a children’s literature course that recognized more than two genders, the university’s Board of Regents announced on Thursday.
President Mark A. Walsh III’s last day will be on Friday, the board said. The move comes after the university fired the lecturer of the course, Melissa McCoul, and removed two administrators over the controversy. The issue caught national attention after a student filmed herself arguing with Dr. McCoul, citing President Trump, who has said his administration would push for the recognition of only two genders.
“President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar said in a statement. He added, “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.”
After the student’s video went viral on social media, Republican politicians in Texas, including Gov. Greg Abbott, criticized the university for not acting quickly enough, and accused Dr. McCoul of “blatantly indoctrinating students in gender ideology.”
After Dr. McCoul was terminated earlier this month, her lawyer said that her constitutional rights had been violated and that she was appealing the decision.
Pooja Salhotra covers breaking news across the United States.
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