Understanding the Announcement

Texas A&M University made headlines on January 30, 2026, when it announced the immediate closure of its Women's and Gender Studies (WGST) program. This interdisciplinary program, which offered Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, an undergraduate minor, and a graduate certificate, will no longer accept new students. Current enrollees, numbering just 25 majors and 31 minors, have up to six semesters to complete their studies through a structured teach-out plan.

The decision stems from a combination of low enrollment trends observed over recent years and challenges in aligning the program's curriculum with newly implemented Texas A&M University System policies. These policies, approved by the Board of Regents on November 13, 2025, restrict classroom discussions that "advocate race or gender ideology" or cover topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity unless a campus president grants an exception for courses outside the core curriculum or at the graduate level, deeming them to serve a "necessary educational purpose."

Women's and Gender Studies programs, which emerged nationally in the late 1970s amid second-wave feminism, typically explore the social construction of gender, intersectionality with race and class, feminist theories, and LGBTQ+ histories. At Texas A&M, the program began offering courses in 1979 and relied on affiliated faculty from various departments rather than dedicated tenure-line professors, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.

🎓 The Broader Policy Context

The closure is part of a larger campus-wide review prompted by events in fall 2025. A viral video captured a student challenging English lecturer Melissa McCoul over gender identity content in a children's literature class, leading to her dismissal and sparking statewide debate. This incident accelerated the regents' policy adoption, marking the first such system-wide restriction in Texas public universities on these topics.

Provost Alan Sams detailed the review process, which scrutinized approximately 5,400 course syllabi for the spring 2026 semester. Deans identified around 200 potentially affected courses in the College of Arts and Sciences alone. Outcomes included modifications to hundreds of syllabi—removing references to feminism, queer cinema, or even classical texts like Plato's Symposium when tied to gender discussions—and the outright cancellation of six undergraduate courses:

• Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
• Religions of the World
• Ethics in Public Policy
• Diversity in Sport Organizations
• Cultural Leadership and Exploration for Society
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Youth Development Organizations

Of 54 courses forwarded for exceptions, 48 were approved by Interim President Tommy Williams. This represents about 0.11% of total courses, yet it has ignited concerns over chilling effects on teaching.Texas Tribune coverage highlights how philosophy professor Martin Peterson was instructed to excise race and gender modules, including ancient philosophical readings, or risk reassignment days before classes began.

Photo by Leon Wu on Unsplash

Reactions from the Campus Community

Faculty responses have been swift and varied. Chaitanya Lakkimsetti, a sociology associate professor and longtime WGST contributor, described the loss as depriving students of critical interdisciplinary spaces essential for understanding contemporary society. Sally Robinson, another affiliate, called it "devastating," emphasizing the program's role since 1979 in advancing research on gender dynamics.

Leonard Bright, president of the Texas A&M American Association of University Professors (AAUP) chapter, labeled the changes "the tip of the iceberg," arguing they undermine faculty governance and academic freedom. The AAUP issued a statement decrying the moves as a threat to the university's reputation and students' educational rights. Protests occurred on January 29, 2026, with students and faculty rallying for open discourse.

On the administrative side, Dean Cynthia Werner's email to WGST faculty noted no impact on the 50+ affiliated professors' employment, framing the closure as a resource redirection toward "areas of growth, innovation, and student demand." Williams acknowledged potential reputational risks but stressed compliance builds trust and academic integrity. Some observers praise the shift for refocusing on "rigorous" content amid declining WGST enrollment nationwide.Inside Higher Ed analysis explores these tensions.

National Trends in Higher Education Curriculum Reforms

Texas A&M's actions reflect a growing movement in conservative-led states to curb what policymakers term "ideological" teachings. Florida's New College shuttered its gender studies program in 2023 following similar reviews. Policies often cite executive actions, like those from President Trump targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, though Texas frames its rules around advocacy rather than mere discussion.

Interdisciplinary programs like WGST have faced enrollment pressures university-wide. Nationally, humanities majors dropped 25% from 2012-2022 per American Academy of Arts & Sciences data, with gender studies particularly vulnerable due to politicization. Low-producing programs—Texas A&M cut 52 minors/certificates in November 2024, including the LGBTQ Studies minor under WGST—routinely face elimination to prioritize STEM and vocational fields amid funding constraints.

Yet, these changes raise questions about intellectual diversity. Free speech advocates warn of self-censorship, while supporters argue for viewpoint balance in public institutions funded by taxpayers.KBTX local reporting provides on-the-ground insights.

Photo by Barbara Zandoval on Unsplash

Implications for Students and Faculty Careers

For the 56 affected students, the teach-out ensures degree completion, but options like transferring credits to other universities with robust WGST programs—such as the University of Texas at Austin or out-of-state institutions—may appeal. Those eyeing graduate paths can explore related fields like sociology or public policy.

Faculty must navigate syllabus revisions carefully. Actionable steps include:

• Document all changes for tenure dossiers to demonstrate adaptability.
• Seek president's exceptions early for electives with clear pedagogical justification.
• Integrate approved topics via historical or comparative lenses, avoiding perceived advocacy.

In a tightening academic job market, versatility counts. Professionals from WGST backgrounds excel in higher education jobs, nonprofits, policy analysis, and corporate diversity roles. Platforms like Rate My Professor allow sharing experiences amid such shifts, while university jobs listings offer pivots to growing areas like data science ethics or public administration.

Future Opportunities and Positive Pathways Forward

While the closure marks an end, it opens doors for innovation. Redirected resources could bolster high-demand programs in STEM, business, or agriculture—Texas A&M strengths. Students interested in gender-related scholarship might pursue minors in history, psychology, or anthropology, framing inquiries neutrally.

For aspiring academics, this underscores the value of broad skill sets. Higher ed career advice recommends tailoring CVs to institutional cultures; those navigating policy shifts can highlight interdisciplinary expertise. Job seekers should monitor faculty positions and administrative roles emphasizing compliance and innovation.

In summary, Texas A&M's Women's and Gender Studies program closure reflects enrollment realities and policy evolution, sparking vital debates on academic priorities. As higher education adapts, resources like Rate My Professor, higher-ed-jobs, and university jobs empower voices and transitions. Share your perspective in the comments below—your insights could guide others through these changes.