Texas A&M Upholds Firing of Professor Despite Faculty Panel’s Findings
Despite a faculty appeals panel’s finding of unjustified dismissal, Texas A&M University will not reinstate Melissa McCoul, a lecturer fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity went viral. The university system’s vice chancellor for academic affairs supported the termination, citing “good cause,” though the reasoning was not explained. McCoul’s lawyer plans to pursue First Amendment and breach of contract claims. McCoul was fired after a student recorded a classroom exchange and met with then-university president Mark Welsh III, who initially refused to fire McCoul. After the firing, the university system implemented new policies restricting how race, gender, and sexuality are taught.
John Q. Hosedrinker