Texas A&M University has decided to cancel a graduate ethics course just three days into the semester, citing insufficient information from Professor Leonard Bright regarding how the course aligns with new regulations on discussing race and gender. Bright has contested this portrayal of the situation.
This cancellation marks a departure from previous course adjustments at Texas A&M, as the class had already held its first session before the decision was made.
In a university-wide communication released on Wednesday, Dean John Sherman of the Bush School stated that the cancellation was necessary because Bright did not comply with multiple requests for details about his instructional plans. Sherman emphasized that without this information, the administration could not fulfill system policies that prohibit courses from promoting race or gender ideologies, as well as topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Courses addressing these subjects require an exemption from high-ranking university officials. An official indicated that the deadline for departmental submissions is approaching, with expectations to know before the January 28 add-drop deadline how many courses may be canceled or altered under the new policy.
In an interview, Bright clarified that discussions surrounding race, gender, and sexuality would be integral to the course and not limited to specific sessions that could be pre-announced. “I communicated that these topics would be part of daily discussions,” he remarked. “It’s woven throughout the course, rather than confined to particular dates.”
As outlined in the syllabus, Bright’s Ethics and Public Policy (PSAA 642) was set to investigate how various social identities, including race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation, influence public policy and the ethical duties of public servants. Bright noted that while he might share his viewpoints on pertinent issues, students were not required to concur with him.
One week of the course was designated to focus on equity and social justice in public administration, incorporating readings on diversity, equity, inclusion, critical race theory, and John Rawls’ “A Theory of Justice.”
This semester, Bright’s class was the sole ethics course offered by the Bush School, initially attracting ten students. However, following warnings about the administrative review and the potential for cancellation, two students opted to change to a different course.
The university is currently assisting the remaining students in finding suitable alternative classes.
In his email to faculty, Sherman pointed out that Bright’s course was one of two within the Bush School that required exemptions from the vice provost of academic affairs. For the other course, administrators managed to request an exemption because the syllabus provided adequate detail, enabling it to continue as planned.
Expressing regret over the cancellation, Sherman stated that the decision was mandated by system policy. He expressed a desire for the university to continue engaging with difficult subjects and contentious issues while adhering to the established procedural guidelines for syllabus approval. “Transparency does not equate to censorship,” Sherman wrote.
Last week, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences informed faculty that approximately 200 courses within the college could be impacted by the new policy. A philosophy professor reported being instructed to eliminate readings from Plato that pertain to race and gender or to be reassigned to teach a different course. The university clarified that this did not constitute a ban on teaching Plato, as other classes include his works that do not address race or gender.
Emails acquired indicate that Bright was not asked to modify his course content prior to its cancellation.
Having taught this course since 2018, Bright also serves as the president of the Texas A&M Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, a faculty organization opposing the newly implemented race and gender ideology policy.
The Board of Regents instituted this policy following a classroom discussion about gender identity that was covertly recorded and disseminated online, provoking backlash from conservative activists and politicians. This incident has had ramifications throughout Texas higher education, prompting similar content reviews at other public university systems, including Texas Tech University System, which has enacted comparable restrictions.
No legislation at the state or federal level prohibits the discussion of race, gender, or sexuality in college settings. While state law mandates that public universities publish course syllabi online, the recent controversy at Texas A&M has led to professors being required to submit their syllabi for administrative evaluation prior to the approval of certain courses.
Michael Johnson, associate provost for academic enhancement and interim vice provost for academic affairs, remarked that the university has established documented guidelines, timelines, and a framework for syllabus and course reviews under the new policy. He emphasized that instead of imposing uniform directives, the policy is interpreted and applied by faculty, department heads, and deans according to their specific academic disciplines.
“As we have needed to provide further clarification, we have continued to refine our guidance and respond to inquiries,” Johnson stated.
