Controversial Firing at Texas A&M: Professor Disputes Termination, DOJ Investigates Amid Political Pressure

Texas A&M University is embroiled in a rapidly unfolding controversy following the termination of Professor Melissa McCoul, who was fired Tuesday after a viral video showed her clashing with a student over gender-identity content in her class. McCoul, through her attorney, is vehemently disputing the university’s stated reasons for her termination and is actively exploring legal options.

According to her attorney, Amanda Reichek, Texas A&M cited McCoul’s alleged failure to align her course content with its description despite multiple instructions. However, Reichek maintains that McCoul’s curriculum was consistent, and she received no such directives, having taught the course for several years without incident. McCoul has appealed her firing.

The firing by Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III comes amidst intense public scrutiny and political backlash. The viral video captured a student objecting to McCoul teaching that there are more than two genders, citing President Donald Trump’s executive order and personal religious beliefs. McCoul reportedly responded by asserting her right to teach the lesson while acknowledging the student’s right to leave.

The incident has escalated beyond McCoul’s termination. President Welsh also revoked administrative duties from the head of the department overseeing the course and reportedly demoted Mark Zoran, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This move followed increasing pressure from Republican lawmakers, notably Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian), who released previously unheard audio recordings of Welsh initially defending the professor and the course material.

Under mounting political pressure, Welsh’s stance reportedly shifted. Governor Greg Abbott publicly called for McCoul’s firing, while Rep. Harrison went further, demanding Welsh’s own removal. The controversy has now drawn federal attention, with Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stating on X that the agency finds the incident “deeply concerning” and will “look into” it.

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has announced an audit of every course to ensure compliance with state law, and Chancellor Glenn Hegar has praised Welsh’s decision to fire McCoul. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between university leadership and conservative lawmakers, particularly concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which were banned at public universities in Texas in 2023.

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