Mark Welsh, president of Texas A&M University, is stepping down effective September 19. Announced by Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents, the news follows weeks of mounting controversy over Welsh’s leadership.
Welsh’s resignation caps a period of public uproar sparked by his handling of a children’s literature course that included instruction on introducing LGBT and gender identity material to children as young as three.
The situation came under public scrutiny after State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) released audio of a student objecting to the curriculum and subsequent allegations that the student was kicked out of class for expressing concerns about transgender indoctrination. Initially, Welsh defended the professor involved but later reversed himself—firing the instructor and removing the department head and dean from their posts.
Despite these actions, criticism intensified from lawmakers and activists, who accused Welsh of ambivalence and being slow to address the controversy.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick publicly called for further accountability, stating Welsh “did not handle the recent situation … as he should have,” while Harrison said Welsh “must be fired for forcing radical trans indoctrination on students.”
Harrison celebrated the announcement of Welsh’s resignation, posting, “WE DID IT! TEXAS A&M PRESIDENT IS OUT!! Another MASSIVE victory for the LIBERTY BOTS against the Austin Swamp Rats! As the first elected official to call for him to be fired, this news is welcome, although overdue. Now… END ALL DEI AND LGBTQ INDOCTRINATION IN TEXAS!!”
The Texas A&M Board of Regents has pledged to audit all course offerings to ensure compliance with state laws and university standards.
Welsh had a history of long-standing support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both as president and before, when he led the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Under his leadership, DEI programs expanded and mandatory training sessions were introduced, adding to the scrutiny and fueling calls for change even before the latest classroom scandal.
Gov. Greg Abbott had threatened to fire him in January for sponsoring a DEI conference, and only with his job on the line did Welsh backtrack and withdraw A&M’s support.
With Welsh’s departure, Texas A&M begins a leadership transition under close public and legislative watch.
Chancellor Hegar said, “We are grateful for his service and contributions. At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead.”
The TAMU Board of Regents will start a national search for a permanent president. In the meantime, an interim president will be appointed to lead.
“The Board of Regents is united in ensuring that this transition strengthens the university’s future and keeps Texas A&M true to its mission and values,” stated Robert Albritton, chair of the board of regents.
