Texas A&M University's president is resigning following the controversy over a recorded lecture video
Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III Resigns Amid Coursera
Texas A&M University's President, Mark A. Welsh III, has announced his resignation, effective from Friday. The decision comes just over a week after Welsh announced the firing of Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer in the English department, following a classroom incident involving a Coursera literature lesson.
Before assuming the presidency, Welsh served as the dean of the university's school of government and public service after retiring from the US Air Force. His tenure at Texas A&M began in 2023 and was described by Chancellor Glenn Hegar as one of tireless and selfless work.
The controversy erupted when a video surfaced showing a student objecting to a Coursera literature lesson about gender. The incident led to criticism and political pressure, which may have contributed to Welsh's resignation.
In response to the controversy, Hegar ordered an audit of courses at all 12 schools in the Texas A&M University System. The audit was intended to ensure that course content aligns with the standard curriculum and matches its catalog descriptions.
McCoul's attorney, Amanda Reichek, stated that McCoul's course content was consistent with the catalog and course description. However, McCoul was fired due to content in her Coursera literature course that did not align with the standard curriculum and did not match its catalog descriptions.
The professor involved in the video was subsequently fired, but their name has not been disclosed in the provided search results. The university did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment from Welsh. Similarly, the university did not immediately respond to an email requesting a copy of Welsh's resignation letter.
The faculty and writers' groups have criticized the actions taken by Texas A&M in handling the controversial Coursera content. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also blasted Welsh and his handling of the instructor.
The resignation comes after a week of intense scrutiny and political pressure. Welsh ordered the removal of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department from their administrative positions.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about academic freedom and the role of universities in shaping societal values. It remains to be seen how Texas A&M will move forward in the aftermath of this Coursera controversy.
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