By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Texas Tech University has implemented new restrictions on classroom instruction concerning race, gender, and sexual orientation, mirroring recent actions at Texas A&M. The policy, initiated by Chancellor Brandon Creighton, prohibits teaching six race- and sex-related concepts and mandates board review of LGBTQ+-related course content. These restrictions were preceded by Senate Bill 37, which directs boards of regents to review course content. These changes follow a controversy at Texas A&M that led to administrative demotions, a firing, and a resignation due to content deemed inconsistent with school guidelines.
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Texas Tech joins A&M in restricting race, LGBTQ+ course content, and it’s difficult to ignore the implications of this move. It feels as if the focus is shifting away from academics and toward other priorities, particularly athletics. The emphasis on sports over education creates an environment where intellectual curiosity might take a backseat to, well, winning.
The idea that universities are now being incentivized by their athletic facilities and programs seems to be influencing decisions like this one. If the primary focus becomes sports, what will happen to the educational experience? This shift of priorities does have consequences for students, making the university experience less about education and more about “experiences.”
The concern here is that the university is turning into something akin to a minor league for professional sports. Students may no longer prioritize academics and classroom attendance. This could, in turn, have catastrophic consequences for the state and the country as a whole. One can wonder if the students graduating today will have the skills necessary to succeed in their future professions.
The specific prohibitions outlined by the university are worth a closer look. The memo restricts several concepts from being taught, including the idea that one race or sex is superior to another, or that individuals are inherently racist or sexist based on their race or sex. It also forbids discrimination based on race or sex, and the idea that meritocracy or a strong work ethic are inherently racist.
One must ask if these ideas are even being taught in the first place? It’s not clear that this is actually what’s happening in classrooms. The way it’s framed could be a classic case of concern trolling, designed to sound reasonable on the surface while masking a different agenda. It’s a move that’s been attributed to a right-wing agenda of oppressing certain groups.
Some argue this is about preventing the teaching of certain views to students. However, the intent behind this move is called into question. Why restrict these topics from adults in college? The focus should be on preparing students for the real world, and some wonder how gender studies would do that.
There are many different perspectives on this issue. Some graduates of these institutions feel that it is a matter of shame. Others recognize the political motivations behind the move. The long-term effects of this shift in priorities are still unknown, but the immediate impacts are clear.