URGENT UPDATE: Texas Tech University has officially mandated that faculty must recognize only two sexes—male and female—in all classroom instruction. This directive came from Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell in a memo issued on October 26, 2023, where he emphasized that adherence to this policy is not optional for university employees.
Chancellor Mitchell’s directive underscores the university’s legal obligations under both state and federal law, including Texas House Bill 229 and executive orders from President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The memo stresses that compliance is a “fundamental” responsibility of public institutions, reflecting their role as stewards of public trust.
Mitchell’s memo instructs university administrations to review course materials, curricula, and syllabi to ensure they align with this new policy. Faculty are urged to consult with their deans and provosts regarding any questions about the implementation of these changes.
While acknowledging that staff may have “differing personal views,” Mitchell made it clear that personal beliefs must not interfere with legal compliance in their professional roles. “Compliance with the law is required, and I trust in your professionalism to carry out these responsibilities,” he wrote.
This development comes amid rising tensions around gender identity issues in educational settings. Governor Abbott’s letter, sent on January 30, 2023, directed state agency heads to adhere strictly to existing laws, rejecting what he described as “radical sexual orientation and gender identity ideologies.”
The implications of this policy shift are significant for students and faculty alike, potentially impacting how gender-related topics are taught across the university system. The American Psychological Association and other accrediting bodies have recognized these changes, striving to balance educational commitments with legal compliance.
Concerns about academic freedom and the First Amendment rights of faculty have been raised by organizations like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Recently, FIRE criticized a similar policy at Angelo State University, which restricted discussions around transgender topics, claiming it violated free speech rights.
As Texas Tech implements this policy, the university community is bracing for potential fallout. Faculty members are already expressing concerns about how these mandates may affect classroom discussions and the academic environment. The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated, as they may influence educational practices not only at Texas Tech but across the broader Texas higher education landscape.
This story is developing, and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds. Faculty and students are encouraged to engage with university administration to clarify the implications of these mandates for their teaching and learning experiences.
For ongoing coverage and updates, follow reliable news sources closely as this critical issue continues to evolve.