New Rules on Gender Talk at a Texas University System

Texas Tech University System has issued guidance that limits classroom discussion of gender identity across its campuses. The memo asks faculty to comply with the federal executive order that recognizes two sexes, male and female, and it references recent state and federal measures. At some campuses, including Angelo State University, professors have been told to remove transgender and nonbinary material from syllabi while email pronouns and LGBTQ+ displays were discouraged.

Critics have said the guidance threatens academic freedom and raises legal questions, and faculty have reported confusion because many details were given verbally rather than in writing. Although system leaders framed the steps as compliance with federal policy, legal and civil rights groups have raised concerns about censorship and classroom oversight. Therefore, faculty and students are seeking clearer written rules and formal legal guidance while campus groups prepare responses.