More audio has been released of Texas A&M President Mark Welsh’s conversation with a student who objected to an instructor promoting transgenderism in children’s literature. In the recording, Welsh supported clear labeling for “LGBTQ” courses rather than their removal and admitted other students had expressed concerns about the class.
For the second day in a row, State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) released additional audio from a recording of Welsh’s conversation with the student.
“If you want to study for a professional track … and you want to study LGBTQ influence on literature, then have a course that’s called that,” Welsh said on the latest recording. “Call it that, so there’s no confusion about who’s walking into a classroom … that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Welsh indicated how long it takes to institute change, which may allude to how long LGBTQ courses have been gestating in TAMU without internal objection. “It takes about 18 months to get courses approved,” he said.
The student challenged the ongoing employment of Dr. Melissa McCoul—the course’s instructor—alleging, “She’s clearly prejudiced and discriminatory toward anyone who doesn’t support her personal agenda and ideology.”
Welsh countered, “Many others in the class don’t believe she’s that way.”
The student pushed back, asserting that “at least 75 percent” of her peers shared her concerns about the course and that six others were collaborating with her to “get this issue fixed.”
Welsh responded by encouraging her to have those students reach out to him or “Dr. Scott,” likely referring to TAMU’s Vice Provost.
Welsh initially claimed that nobody had contacted him about the course before. The student asked if he was certain. Welsh replied that 3 or 4 people had reached out “initially.”
Welsh insisted, “The problem is you can’t fix the problem. We need to fix the problem. Give me the information you’ve got, and if you don’t trust me to do it, then do what you do. I don’t care. Let us try to help.”
The student sought clarification, and repeated his words back to him, “You said ‘do what you have to do, I do not care.’”
Welsh’s tone sharpened as he replied, “Now you’re picking a fight, again.” Harrison noted part of Welsh’s response was redacted due to use of the student’s name.
The student responded, “No, sir. I’m not trying to pick a fight. I’m trying to understand your perspective and where you stand on this issue.”
The audio clip fades out. In the previous audio release, Welsh defended “LGBTQ” courses at TAMU.
Following Harrison’s revelations on September 8, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced her department would investigate the matter. Harrison demanded the firings of both Welsh and Dr. McCoul.
Late in the evening of September 9, Welsh ordered Dr. McCoul’s termination, and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents asked Chancellor Glenn Hegar to audit all courses systemwide for compliance with state laws.
Growing calls for Welsh’s ouster followed. State Rep. Mitch Little (R–Lewisville) posted on social media, questioning “what should become” of Welsh, “who finds these courses wholly appropriate in direct contravention of the law?”
Christin Bentley, a member of the Texas GOP’s State Republican Executive Committee, replied, “He should be fired. If Chancellor Glenn Hegar is serious, that’s exactly what will happen.”
Shortly after Welsh’s statement, Hegar commended him for terminating Dr. McCoul. “A real leader would fire [Welsh] immediately,” Harrison replied.
Neither Texas A&M nor the Texas A&M University System responded to requests for comment before publication.
Gov. Greg Abbott appoints and the Texas Senate confirms the TAMUS Board of Regents.
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