Regents of the Texas A&M University System agreed to pay Mark Welsh, former president of Texas A&M–College Station, a settlement worth more than $3.5 million.
The settlement agreement reportedly includes assurances that the Texas A&M University System will indemnify Welsh for actions taken within his official presidential capacity, subject to state law, and that it will seek representation for Welsh from the Texas Attorney General’s Office in any lawsuits stemming from his duties as president.
Welsh resigned on September 19 following widespread criticism over 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 regents authorized a separation agreement with Welsh on September 26, the details of which were recently revealed.
This is the latest financial settlement authorized by regents in the wake of controversy. In August 2023, Texas A&M–College Station announced it would pay Kathleen McElroy $1 million after her failed hiring as journalism director. Revelations of McElroy’s support for DEI triggered public outcry, prompting the university to water down its job offer, which McElroy rejected.
Welsh replaced former President Katherine Banks, who had overseen McElroy’s recruitment and resigned shortly after the controversy. Welsh himself had a long history of promoting left-wing agendas.
The same day Welsh’s resignation was announced, Chancellor Glenn Hegar stated that Vice Chancellor James Hallmark would serve as acting president. On October 3, regents named former state lawmaker Tommy Williams interim president following the revelation that Hallmark had defended DEI.
The Texas A&M University System did not respond to a request for comment.
The system is overseen by a board of regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate.
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