A directive restricts discussion of transgender and nonbinary identities across multiple universities within the Texas Tech University System.
The directive affects Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Angelo State University, and Midwestern State University. Faculty and administrative staff received official notification regarding the new guidelines.
Faculty must avoid discussing transgender and nonbinary identities in classrooms and course materials. The chancellor emphasizes that this directive aligns with the new state law, which the university interprets as imposing restrictions on discussions of certain identities in educational settings.
The Texas Tech University System’s legal team reviews the legislation to ensure institutional policies remain compliant. The chancellor highlights the importance of avoiding legal issues while preserving academic integrity.
Texas Tech faculty and students respond with mixed reactions. Some faculty view the directive as a threat to academic freedom and the open discussion of critical social issues. Others consider compliance necessary to align with state regulations.
The university has not announced disciplinary measures for faculty who discuss restricted topics, but the chancellor stresses the importance of following the directive.
Other Texas universities also review their policies in light of the law, reflecting a statewide conversation about how educational institutions should respond.
Texas Tech’s approach could serve as a precedent for other institutions across the state and beyond. Advocacy groups, educators, and lawmakers continue to debate the law’s effects as the situation evolves.
University officials have not provided a timeline for the directive’s duration. They continue monitoring legal developments related to the legislation.