Following outrage over Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh’s response to a Conservative student having an issue with a professor who taught gender ideology during class, he has officially stepped down from his position.
Last week, a video circulated on social media of a student who spoke up against a woke professor’s teaching of radical gender ideology in class. In the video, the student confronted the professor, telling her that it’s illegal for her to be teaching gender ideology, due to President Donald Trump declaring there are only two genders and that he would freeze funding for agencies and universities that promote the radical ideology of multiple genders.
In a subsequent video posted to social media, the student spoke with Welsh, who stated that the student was just trying to “pick a fight” and proceeded to tell her he would not fire the professor for teaching gender ideology in the classroom.
Audio was also released from Welsh, where he defended forcing taxpayers to fund LGBT ideology.
“There are LGBTQ studies here… have been for a long time… there is a professional reason to teach some of these courses…” Welsh said in the recording.
Another audio was also released, where Welsh can be heard dismissing a Conservative student’s concerns about her complaint that the professor may have infringed upon her constitutional rights. When the student pushed back about others also having complaints about the professor, Welsh proceeded to get angry and told the student, “Do what you do, I don’t care…you’re picking a fight again.”
Following the videos being released, outrage ensued about Welsh’s comments and handling of the situation.
Welsh subsequently directed the provost to remove the dean and department head from their administrative positions. Following the removal of those two, Welsh also terminated Professor Melissa McCoul from her teaching position. However, even after all the actions taken, Texas state leaders continued to call for Welsh to be removed from his position.
On Thursday, after immense pressure, the TAMU System Board of Regents announced that Welsh will step down from his role as President effective September 19 at 5 p.m.
“President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” wrote Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “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.”
In the meantime, the Board of Regents will appoint an interim president as they initiate a national search for a new president.