Mark Welsh, the president of Texas A&M University, will resign on Friday following criticism over his response to a recent controversy involving a professor. The issue began when an English professor, Dr. Melissa McCoul, was filmed promoting pro-LGBT views during a children’s literature course. A student who opposed her views was asked to leave the lecture, sparking outrage.
Welsh, a retired four-star general who served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force under President Obama, dismissed McCoul last week. However, this decision did not calm the backlash against how the university handled the situation. The Texas A&M Board of Regents announced Welsh’s resignation on Thursday.
Chancellor Glenn Hegar praised Welsh for his dedication but agreed that it was time for a change to ensure the university’s future success. The controversy gained traction after videos shared by Republican State Representative Brian Harrison showed McCoul defending her teachings on gender identity, claiming they were "biologically true."
The student who confronted McCoul cited recent government actions against diversity and inclusion initiatives. In response, McCoul insisted she had the right to teach her curriculum, telling the student, “It’s time for you to leave.”
After the student raised concerns about the course material, Welsh acknowledged that the content did not meet standard expectations. Yet, his actions to change the course and fire McCoul came only after significant public pressure, particularly from Harrison, who had been vocal about the issue.
Despite Welsh’s attempt to address the situation, some faculty members felt his response was inadequate. Professor Leonard Bright expressed concern that this situation was about limiting academic freedom, arguing that professors should have the authority to design their courses.
Following McCoul’s termination, Harrison accused Welsh of trying to cover up the issue and criticized him for defending the professor’s actions. He celebrated Welsh’s resignation, calling it a victory against what he described as indoctrination in Texas universities.
As Texas A&M moves forward, the Board of Regents will appoint an interim president while searching for a permanent replacement.
