Texas Tech limits teaching on race and gender

The Texas Tech University System introduced updated instructions on Monday regarding how faculty members should approach topics of race and gender in their courses. Chancellor Brandon Creighton circulated a memo to the presidents of the systems universities outlining these new requirements.

The memo specifies that instructors are not permitted to teach that more than two genders exist and sets limitations on discussions of race. One section states: State law and federal policy recognize only two sexes, male and female. Faculty must adhere to these standards when teaching, which includes submitting course materials addressing gender identity through the Board of Regents course content review process.

Regarding race, the memo forbids teaching that a person can be inherently racist based on their race or gender, that individuals are accountable for the actions of others in their racial group, or that merit-based systems are inherently racist or sexist. Materials concerning sexual orientation are also subject to approval through the same review procedure.

The memo, obtained by The Dallas Morning News, explains: If an instructor believes their course content involves any of the specified topics, they are required to follow the Course Content Review Process as outlined in this memorandum and the attached flowchart. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary measures.

This announcement follows similar actions by other Texas universities. Angelo State University recently implemented rules limiting instruction on LGBTQ subjects, and Texas A&M terminated a professor who removed a student from class for questioning the legality of teaching more than two genders.

Author: Sophia Brooks