Academic Freedom

The American Association of University Professors and its Texas affiliate are suing the Texas Tech University System, claiming new curriculum policies amount to unconstitutional censorship. The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez reports the lawsuit asks a federal judge to block the policies. Despite a ban on sports betting in the state, "prediction market platforms" allow Texans to place money on event outcomes. The Texas Medical Association wants policymakers to restrict platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi to people 21 years and older.

Faculty groups say the Texas Tech University System's new curriculum policies are unconstitutional and unlawfully restrict classroom instruction on race, gender identity and sexual orientation. But university leaders have called the changes "common sense."

College students and professors are protesting with mock funerals across Texas, saying universities are dying from political interference. School officials say they’re responding to shifting needs.

Students and faculty held a mock-funeral outside of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents meeting on May 7 to protest recent action from system administration regarding the course content review process and systematic “phase out” of programs centered on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Texas Tech University System announced that it will be closing all academic programs 'centered on' Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The process will include a program review, admissions freeze, and closure. Students currently enrolled in these programs will be able to finish their degrees.