College Station, Texas, January 8, 2026
Texas A&M University has enforced new policies banning certain discussions on race and gender ideology in core curriculum classes, leading a philosophy professor to remove classic Plato readings from his syllabus. This decision has ignited concerns about academic freedom among faculty members and advocates. The controversy traces back to backlash from a student’s recording of a professor discussing gender identity, prompting university officials to impose restrictions. Critics argue that such actions undermine the institution’s educational mission.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University Restricts Plato Readings in Philosophy Course
Texas A&M University has instructed a philosophy professor to remove certain Plato readings from his “Contemporary Moral Issues” course, citing new policies that restrict discussions on race and gender ideology in core curriculum classes.
Policy Implementation and Faculty Response
In November 2025, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved a policy requiring campus presidents to approve any course that could be seen as advocating “race and gender ideology” or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This policy mandates that faculty obtain prior approval for courses addressing these subjects. In December 2025, the policy was revised to prohibit such discussions in core curriculum courses unless deemed necessary for educational purposes and approved in writing by administrators. Faculty members were required to submit their course materials for review before teaching.
Professor Martin Peterson submitted his syllabus for the “Contemporary Moral Issues” course, which included readings from Plato’s “Symposium” and “Phaedrus,” texts that discuss themes of love, gender, and human identity. The department head informed Peterson that these materials violated the new policy and instructed him to remove them or face reassignment to a different course. Peterson expressed concerns that this directive infringed upon academic freedom and the university’s commitment to open inquiry.
Broader Impact on Academic Freedom
The implementation of this policy has raised significant concerns among faculty and academic freedom advocates. Critics argue that restricting discussions on race and gender topics, especially those found in classical texts like Plato’s works, undermines the educational mission of the university. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemned the decision, stating that it exemplifies the dangers of administrative overreach in academic content.
Context and Background
The controversy began in September 2025 when a student recorded a professor discussing gender identity in a children’s literature course, leading to public backlash and administrative actions. In response, the Board of Regents implemented the policy to prevent the “advocacy” of race and gender ideology in classroom settings. The policy defines “race ideology” as attempts to shame a particular race or ethnicity or promote activism on related issues, and “gender ideology” as concepts of self-assessed gender identity disconnected from biological sex.
As the spring 2026 semester approaches, faculty members are navigating the implications of these policies, balancing adherence to university directives with their commitment to academic freedom and comprehensive education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new policy implemented by Texas A&M University?
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved a policy requiring campus presidents to approve any course that could be seen as advocating “race and gender ideology” or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity. This policy mandates that faculty obtain prior approval for courses addressing these subjects.
Why were Plato’s readings removed from the course syllabus?
Professor Martin Peterson was instructed to remove certain Plato readings from his “Contemporary Moral Issues” course because they discuss themes of love, gender, and human identity, which are now restricted under the university’s new policy on race and gender ideology in core curriculum classes.
What are the concerns raised by faculty regarding this policy?
Faculty members and academic freedom advocates are concerned that the policy infringes upon academic freedom and the university’s commitment to open inquiry. They argue that restricting discussions on race and gender topics, especially those found in classical texts like Plato’s works, undermines the educational mission of the university.
How has the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) responded?
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemned the decision, stating that it exemplifies the dangers of administrative overreach in academic content.
What is the context behind the implementation of this policy?
The controversy began in September 2025 when a student recorded a professor discussing gender identity in a children’s literature course, leading to public backlash and administrative actions. In response, the Board of Regents implemented the policy to prevent the “advocacy” of race and gender ideology in classroom settings.
Key Features of the Policy and Its Impact
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Policy Implementation | Requires faculty to obtain prior approval for courses addressing “race and gender ideology” or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Faculty Response | Professor Martin Peterson was instructed to remove certain Plato readings from his syllabus or face reassignment. |
| Broader Impact | Raises concerns about academic freedom and the university’s commitment to open inquiry. |
| Context | Policy implemented in response to a student recording a professor discussing gender identity, leading to public backlash. |
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