Texas A&M president resigns after LGBTQ curriculum backlash

Mark Welsh, president of Texas A&M University, is stepping down on Friday at 5 p.m., according to a statement from the school’s chancellor. The university’s board of regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar thanked Welsh for his years of leadership and service, but said now was the time for a change. A transition of leadership would keep Texas A&M true to its mission and values, according to the statement.

Welsh faced a backlash earlier this month for his handling of a clash over material about gender ideology that was included in a children’s literature class. A student complained about the course content, which she said discussed children’s sexuality, and the teacher reportedly asked her to leave class and not to return, according to Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison. The state representative referred the issue to the Trump administration and Gov. Greg Abbott, who urged that the teacher be fired.

Welsh eventually fired the teacher and two other school officials, and he ordered an audit of course content. But those actions came after Harrison shared an audio clip that he said was a recording of Welsh telling the student in question that some LGBTQ courses were needed and that the teacher would not be fired. Harrison and many others called for Welsh’s firing.

Did the school say who would replace Welsh? The Texas A&M Board of Regents planned to begin a national search for a permanent president, according to a statement. The board said it would appoint an interim president, but did not name any candidates for the position.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the teacher’s firing for more details.