Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd L. Mitchell on Thursday directed university presidents to only recognize two sexes — male and female — emphasizing that, regardless of personal views, adherence to new requirements is mandatory for all employees.

Mitchell wrote in a memo that universities are required to comply with both state and federal law, executive orders, and directives issued by President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a “fundamental” responsibility as stewards of public trust. 

Current laws and directives recognize only two human sexes — male and female — as outlined in Texas House Bill 229, the Governor’s letter, and an Executive Order.

Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. (iStock)

While the chancellor did not directly address any specific incidents, he noted “recent developments” at universities across Texas “highlighted the importance of understanding these compliance obligations.”

Faculty are directed to bring questions to their deans and provosts.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has criticized similar action at Angelo State University, which enacted a new policy forbidding faculty “discussion of transgender topics or any topics that suggest there are more than two genders,” and transgender-related topics on syllabi.

On Tuesday, FIRE wrote a letter to Angelo State alleging the restrictions violate the First Amendment, and calling on the university to immediately withdraw the policy. 

Texas Tech and FIRE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.