Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that his administration is taking action against professors at public universities who prioritize radical political ideology over genuine education.
Abbott’s comments came in response to reports that a University of Texas at Austin professor was removed from an administrative position over what were described as “ideological differences.”
In a post on X sharing the Axios report, Abbott wrote:
“Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation.”
“We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education,” he added.
UT Professor Dismissed Amid Ideological Clash
Tenured psychology professor Art Markman confirmed his dismissal last week.
Markman had served at the University of Texas for 27 years and held the role of senior vice provost for academic affairs.
On LinkedIn, Markman said he is preparing for “a new chapter” in his career.
However, he did not elaborate on what ideological issues led to his removal.
Markman is also known as co-host of the science podcast “Two Guys on Your Head.”
The University of Texas at Austin has not issued a public statement on the matter.
UT System Launches Review of Gender and LGBTQ Studies
Markman’s removal comes as the University of Texas System, which oversees 14 academic and health institutions statewide, launched a review of gender identity and LGBTQ studies courses across its campuses.
“The U.T. System has been reviewing courses on gender identity taught at all U.T. institutions to ensure compliance and alignment with applicable law and state and federal guidance, and to make sure any courses that are taught on U.T. campuses are aligned with the direction and priorities of the Board of Regents,” the UT System said in a statement.
“This review will be discussed at the November Board of Regents’ meeting.”
The move follows growing pressure from state leaders and parents to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and radical gender theory content from Texas universities, as President Donald Trump’s administration cracks down on taxpayer-funded institutions accused of promoting leftist ideologies.
Texas A&M Also Under Fire
The controversy extends beyond the UT System.
Texas A&M University, which operates independently, has faced its own backlash after a video surfaced showing English professor Dr. Melissa McCoul promoting pro-LGBT messaging and telling a student who disagreed with her to leave class.
The footage, obtained by Republican State Rep. Brian Harrison, showed McCoul pushing gender ideology during a children’s literature course.
🚨CAUGHT ON TAPE: TEXAS A&M STUDENT KICKED OUT OF CLASS AFTER OBJECTING TO TRANSGENDER INDOCTRINATION… and A&M President defends "LGBTQ Studies."
I'm referring @TAMU to the Trump Administration for investigation… and asking Gov @GregAbbott_TX to fire the A&M officials… pic.twitter.com/J6IWsfw62I
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) September 8, 2025
Following the revelation, Harrison publicly accused Texas A&M of fostering systemic left-wing bias and called for university president Mark Welsh to resign.
Welsh stepped down less than two weeks later.
Lawmakers Push for Stronger Action
Despite Abbott’s latest comments, Harrison said he remains concerned that state universities continue to promote activist curricula.
Responding to Abbott’s post on Sunday, Harrison said the University of Texas System is still offering “LGBTQ Studies” courses.
Among the classes listed this fall are “Queer Eastern Europe,” “Queer Latinx Aesthetics,” and “Black Queer Art Worlds.”
Harrison argued that such courses violate the spirit of the state’s efforts to refocus higher education on academics rather than political ideology.
Abbott’s Broader Higher Education Agenda
Governor Abbott has made education reform a core priority, backing legislation to remove DEI offices, end taxpayer-funded political activism, and ensure that public institutions emphasize merit, academic excellence, and viewpoint diversity.
As the November University of Texas Board of Regents meeting approaches, state leaders say the outcome of the ongoing review will be a key test of whether Texas universities are truly returning to “education fundamentals” or continuing to promote partisan activism under the guise of scholarship.
READ MORE – Texas Hospital Accused of Refusing Vital Organ Transplants for Unvaccinated Patients
Our comment section is restricted to members of the Slay News community only.
To join, create a free account HERE.
If you are already a member, log in HERE.