A faculty committee at Texas A&M University has determined that the dismissal of English professor Melissa McCoul violated her academic freedom. This finding comes amid rising concerns over political interference in academic matters following several controversies.
Details of the Firing
McCoul was removed from her position in September after a video showing her discussing gender identity in her class was circulated online. The university cited a mismatch between the course content and its catalog description as the reason for her termination.
Findings of the Academic Freedom Council
A report from the Academic Freedom Council, dated September 25, concluded that McCoul’s firing was influenced more by what she taught than by any failure to adhere to the course catalog. According to the report, McCoul’s syllabus was consistent with the course description, which broadly includes representative writers and literary movements.
- McCoul’s removal was “effective immediately” as stated by former Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III.
- The Academic Freedom Council comprises over two dozen faculty members from various colleges within the university.
- Political pressures were highlighted in the report, indicating they played a role in McCoul’s dismissal.
Procedural Concerns
The council noted that Welsh failed to comply with university procedures required for dismissing faculty members. These procedures mandate that a department head drafts written charges, which must be approved by the dean, followed by a notice of intent to dismiss allowing for a response period.
The council asserted that the dismissal was more about the course content than any academic failings, calling Welsh’s justification for her removal “pretextual.”
Response from University Officials
Blanca Lupiani, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, rejected the council’s findings in an October 2 memo. She argued that the review exceeded the council’s mandate and stated that the complaints against McCoul were improperly assigned to the council without consultation.
In response, the Academic Freedom Council insisted that its role is to evaluate academic freedom issues regardless of any ongoing appeals.
Background and Related Incidents
The council was established following incidents that raised alarm over political influence at Texas A&M. One notable case involved Kathleen McElroy, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, who declined a job offer at Texas A&M due to pressures regarding her diversity-related work. Another case involved pharmacy professor Joy Alonzo, who faced probation after alleged political pressure.
Next Steps for McCoul
McCoul has appealed her termination to the Committee on Academic Freedom, Responsibility and Tenure, which conducted a hearing on her case last week. The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain, as it is pending recommendations that will be presented to interim university president Tommy Williams.
