Embattled Texas A&M President Mark Welsh is facing new calls for his job. This comes following disclosures that he knew about threats issued against a student who complained about a controversial LGBT curriculum.
In an audio recording posted by State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian), a student told Welsh that a department head had threatened her over recordings she had taken of a class. The student told Welsh that the department head told her the student handbook prohibits that activity despite Texas being a one-party consent state.
State law requires one-party consent for recordings, meaning if you are a party to the interaction, you may record without notification.
“Are you telling me the student handbook goes against your rights,” Welsh asked the student.
Harrison said the conversation in the audio recording occurred “one month ago,” although he did not include a specific date.
The class discussion that spawned this controversy took place in late July.
The current dispute began last week when Harrison posted several items of concern from this children’s literature class, including discussion of how to present concepts such as “gender unicorns,” “gender expression,” and “gender identity” to children as young as three.
These items attracted scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Welsh defended this content based on a need to teach future school superintendents or psychiatrists.
He was placed under further scrutiny when Harrison released audio of Welsh defending LGBT coursework.
Welsh has had a long history of promoting DEI and LGBT initiatives—policies the Legislature has moved to roll back in recent years. Welsh previously defended DEI programs and only reversed course after Gov. Greg Abbott threatened his job earlier this year.
Now, with pressure mounting from both lawmakers and statewide leaders, the fate of Welsh’s presidency appears increasingly uncertain.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has blasted Welsh’s handling of this controversy. He urged the Texas A&M Board of Regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar, to continue investigating. Several lawmakers have called for Welsh’s termination as president.
If you are a student, parent, or professor, partner with us to ensure transparency in Texas higher education. Email our tipline at scorecardtips@protonmail.com.
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
