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.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) threatened to fire Welsh earlier this year after accusing the school of breaching the state’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Abbott cannot fire Welsh, but he can appoint the school’s Board of Regents, who do have that authority.
“General Welsh’s legacy of leadership and service is one that the Aggie family will always remember. The Board of Regents is united in ensuring that this transition strengthens the university’s future and keeps Texas A&M true to its mission and values,” the chairman of the Board of Regents, Robert Albritton, said on Thursday.
Welsh is the latest school president to depart this year after receiving backlash.
Earlier this month, Northwestern University President Michael Schill said he would resign. The school dealt with fights with President Trump’s administration and on-campus protests.
Columbia University’s interim president resigned in May amid the institution’s fight with the administration over freezing federal funding and criticism over its response to pro-Palestine protests.
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