Faculty and Students Gather at Texas A&M to Defend Academic Freedom

Faculty and students at Texas A&M University gathered Thursday, Jan. 30, to speak out against recent course cancellations and classroom restrictions tied to a new Texas A&M University System policy governing curriculum review. The rally and press conference followed weeks of uncertainty on campus as administrators completed a systemwide audit of syllabi under Policy 08.01, which took effect in December 2025.

The policy subjects all courses, particularly those in the core curriculum, to heightened administrative review and restricts instruction related to race and gender ideology. As part of that process, several courses were altered or canceled, including a public policy ethics course taught by Dr. Leonard Bright, president of the Texas A&M chapter of AAUP-AFT. Bright learned of his course's cancellation through a mass email sent by the Bush School of Government & Public Service to faculty, a move that drew concern from colleagues and students alike.

Bright's course, which he had taught for six years with little change to its syllabus, emphasized critical discussion, respectful disagreement, and applied ethical reasoning. Faculty leaders say the review process has expanded beyond compliance to censorship, with instructors forced to justify content based on accreditation requirements rather than educational value.

Thursday's event brought together faculty members, student leaders, and advocacy groups to condemn what they described as a chilling effect on teaching and learning. Speakers addressed concerns about academic freedom, faculty recruitment, and the long-term value of Texas A&M degrees. As the event unfolded, a growing crowd of students gathered to show their support.

Student speakers and organizers emphasized that they chose Texas A&M expecting rigorous coursework and that their degrees would represent an investment in their economic futures. Faculty echoed those concerns, noting that even instructors whose courses were unaffected have altered lesson plans or avoided certain topics out of caution, unsure how future discussions might be interpreted or reported.

The rally came as the university wrapped up its review of thousands of courses, an unprecedented undertaking at the 74,000-student flagship campus. While system officials have framed the policy as an effort to ensure accountability and transparency, faculty and students argue that the lack of clarity and consistency has already disrupted classrooms and undermined trust.

Texas AAUP-AFT and campus allies say they will continue pressing for the restoration of academic freedom and clearer protections for educators and students moving forward.

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