College Matters from The Chronicle Texas A&M’s Censorship Machine
Mar 11, 2026
Martin Peterson, philosophy professor and Academic Freedom Council chair who challenged a ban on Plato. Jasper Smith, Chronicle reporter who uncovered Texas A&M’s sweeping course reviews. They discuss how course reviews began, regents’ political influence, the viral classroom incident that sparked the crackdown, behind-the-scenes emails, removed courses and program cuts, and the wider risk of self-censorship in academia.
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Regents Policy Triggered Massive Course Review
- Texas A&M's Board of Regents enacted a policy banning courses that "advocate race or gender ideology," triggering a review of ~5,400 courses.
- The policy goes beyond existing Texas law and restricts core classes while allowing few exemptions, forcing systemwide compliance.
Viral Classroom Incident Sparked Crackdown
- The policy's origin point was the firing of Melissa McCall after a viral classroom clip about gender identity, which spurred political pressure.
- That incident became symbolic for conservatives who argued universities indoctrinate students, prompting administrative action and the president's resignation.
Sociology Course Eliminated After Review
- Sociology chair Jennifer Glanville questioned whether readings on white privilege and medical stereotypes could remain in Introduction to Race and Ethnicity.
- The deans delayed, debated, and ultimately the course was eliminated during the review.