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Texas Tech Joins Texas A&M in Restricting Race and Gender Courses

Source: Second Texas university system to restrict race and gender course content (2025-12-01)

In a significant move reflecting recent legislative changes, the Texas Tech University System has implemented new restrictions on how race and gender topics are taught across its campuses, aligning with the state's evolving educational policies. The system's new guidelines, introduced by Chancellor Brandon Creighton—who previously authored SB 37—mandate that faculty avoid advocating for race or gender prejudice and limit discussions to no more than two genders. This development marks Texas Tech as the second major university system in Texas to adopt such restrictions, following Texas A&M. The policy aims to ensure compliance with state laws but has sparked debate over academic freedom and diversity in higher education. Since the enactment of SB 37, which restricts teaching that could be perceived as promoting certain social or political viewpoints, Texas universities have increasingly adjusted their curricula. The new restrictions at Texas Tech include a review process for courses related to sexual orientation and gender identity, emphasizing the state's broader effort to control educational content. These policies are part of a larger trend across the nation, where states are reevaluating how sensitive social issues are addressed in academic settings. Recent facts that deepen understanding of this shift include: 1. The Texas Tech policy explicitly bans courses that advocate for race or gender prejudice, aligning with the state's legal framework. 2. The review process involves faculty submitting syllabi for approval to ensure compliance with new restrictions. 3. Critics argue that such policies may hinder academic freedom and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives. 4. Supporters claim these measures promote a more neutral and inclusive learning environment, consistent with state laws. 5. The move follows similar actions by Texas A&M, which also restricted race and gender discussions in courses earlier this year. 6. The legislation and policies are part of a broader national trend where several states are imposing restrictions on discussions of race, gender, and sexuality in education. 7. Universities are exploring alternative ways to address social issues without violating new legal constraints, including offering specialized workshops and seminars. 8. The policies have prompted legal challenges from academic freedom advocates and civil rights organizations. 9. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has issued guidelines to ensure compliance across public universities. 10. The debate over these restrictions continues to influence Texas politics, with ongoing discussions about the balance between legislative authority and academic independence. As Texas universities navigate these new policies, students and faculty alike are adapting to a landscape where educational content is increasingly shaped by legislative mandates. The ongoing developments highlight the tension between state-level regulation and the core values of academic inquiry, raising important questions about the future of higher education in Texas and beyond.

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