Texas A&M President Steps Down Following Controversial Course Dispute

(NewsNation) — The president of Texas A&M University resigned from his role following a viral dispute between a professor and student over gender being taught in a children’s literature course.

Mark Welsh’s resignation is set to go into effect on Sept. 19 at 5 p.m., according to a statement from Chancellor Glenn Hegar.

“President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” said Hegar. “We are grateful for his service and contributions. At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead.”

The controversy began after a video, in which a student questioned a professor about a lesson that included acknowledging more than two genders, went viral.

In the video, the student said they believed the lesson’s content was illegal based on an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that only recognizes two genders and prohibits using federal funds to “promote gender ideology.”

The professor, later identified as Melissa McCoul, told the student the lesson was not illegal and that the student was free to leave.

McCoul was later fired.

After the video went viral, Welsh also ordered the firing of Emily Johansen, head of the university’s English Department, and Mark Zoran, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for approving content the school described as inconsistent with the course description.

McCoul’s notice of termination also reportedly stated that her teaching did not align with the course description and that she had failed to change her instruction to align with the approved course description.

Through her lawyer, McCoul has disputed those allegations, saying she was never told to change her course.

The university’s Board of Regents will appoint an interim president in the coming days as a search for a permanent president begins.