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Texas Tech Faculty Seek Clarity After Speech Restrictions Directive

Texas Tech's new directive bans 'transgender' and other terms in curricula. Professors seek clarity, delay lessons, and question the system's cautious approach.

In this picture we can see screenshot of the Facebook page. On the top we can see some six...
In this picture we can see screenshot of the Facebook page. On the top we can see some six photograph of men and women. On the left side there are some quotes and matter.

Texas Tech Faculty Seek Clarity After Speech Restrictions Directive

Texas Tech University System has issued a directive, leaving faculty at its medical school seeking clarity on speech restrictions. The guidance, aimed at preventing a Texas A&M-like controversy, has sparked confusion and concern among professors.

The directive, a reaction to the Texas A&M situation, aims to prevent similar issues within the Texas Tech system's five universities. It instructs faculty to avoid using terms like 'transgender', 'DEI' (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and 'affirmative action' in their curricula. This has led to uncertainty, with professors delaying lessons that contain these terms. One professor noted the challenge of finding a synonym for 'transgender'.

The new guidelines were delivered verbally by deans at the Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, with no written record. Simulated patient exams involving transgender patients have been thrown into question. The directive cites a presidential executive order, a gubernatorial letter, and a new state law, all recognizing only two sexes. Faculty members are left to navigate these changes cautiously, with one deciding to remain silent to avoid potential issues. The system has been described as more cautious and top-down, with politics influencing what can be taught and faculty having little protection if they resist.

The Texas Tech University System's directive has raised more questions than answers among faculty, particularly at the medical school. While aiming to prevent controversy, the guidance has led to uncertainty and concern. Professors are left to navigate these changes carefully, with some delaying lessons and others choosing silence. The system has been characterized as more cautious and top-down, with politics shaping what can be taught.

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