The President of Texas A&M University, Mark Welsh, is stepping down after a viral video captured an exchange between a student and professor over gender studies.
Welsh’s resignation is effective as of 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, according to a Texas A&M news release, in which the university’s chancellor, Glenn Hegar, thanked Welsh for his service.
“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.”
Welsh’s resignation comes amid backlash from Texas lawmakers after a video emerged of a student citing executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day of presidency over gender ideology.
“Accordingly, my Administration will defend women’s rights and protect freedom of conscience by using clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male,” Trump wrote in the executive order.
In a video shared by Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison on X on Sept. 8, the student questioned the legality of gender identity teachings while reportedly in a children’s literature class.
Harrison called on Gov. Greg Abbot to take immediate action.
“After objecting to such instruction occurring, the student was ordered to leave the class and told she was not welcome to return,” Harrison wrote on X. “The whistleblower went to President Welsh, whose indefensible response was to defend the teacher, state that he will not consider firing her, and defend the decision for Texas A&M to teach this material because it was needed training for future public school administrators.”
Welsh then fired the professor, later identified to CBS News as Melissa McCoul, but the backlash remained.
In the Texas A&M news release, Hagar noted Welsh’s distinguished career as an Air Force pilot and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as “his leadership in advancing student success, research growth, and community engagement at Texas A&M.”
The Board of Regents will initiate a national search for a permanent president and appoint an interim president to ensure a seamless transition, the news release said.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas A&M President Mark Welsh stepping down after viral video of gender identity lesson
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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