In today’s political climate, there has been a major focus on what is being taught at the secondary education level. Colleges and universities differ significantly from public schools, and can typically teach content so long as it is adequately outlined according to educational standards. However, there will oftentimes be individuals who do not wish for certain material to be taught at all, even if the content is directed at those who paid to specifically be taught that information. Recently, a Texas A&M student was told she could leave after challenging LGBTQ-related content in a classroom.
In the above video, a professor is recorded going over material that had been discussed in the previous lecture. The topic in question concerned gender, when a student chimed in to explain that the president of the United States, Donald Trump, explained that he believes there are only two genders. The student continued to discuss unrelated class topics, even going so far as to explain that she and “a lot of people” do not agree with there being more than two genders. She does not go into detail about who she is referring to.
The student continues her argument by stating that she will not be participating in the discussion, despite the professor explaining that this was a topic that was a part of the previous lecture. However, it is unclear if the student was present for the previous lecture in which this topic was being discussed. In response to the student’s concerns, the professor let her know that since the course is only required for those who wish to attend, she is allowed to leave.
Various commentators under the above Reddit post were quick to agree with the student. In fact, many called for the resignation of various staff members at the university despite many of the students’ claims being false. Currently, there are no laws in place that state the number of genders nor that President Donald Trump has any say over what is taught at the college level. One of the top comments contests the student’s eligibility for being enrolled in the school at all, saying, ““..against our president’s laws..” How the fuck do you get to college and… You know what? I can’t today.”
After growing political pressure, Texas A&M University President Mark A. Walsh III announced that both the dean and department head of the course in question were going to be removed. Despite the plans and course material being approved, it appears that other inside players, namely Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, have now found them to be unacceptable. It is unknown if there will be more detailed approvals on course materials in the future, though I would like to think so to avoid this happening again.
