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The Latest Breaking News from Texas AM University

In this week’s episode, we discuss two cases at Texas A&M University that raised questions of academic freedom — and the fallout that ensued.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M reaches $1 million settlement with Black journalism professor

Texas A&M University reached a $1 million settlement Thursday with a Black journalism professor after attempts to hire her unraveled over pushback over her past work promoting diversity

The Independent UK

Top Texas A&M officials were involved in botched recruiting of journalism professor, who will receive $1 million settlement

A new internal report, conducted by the university system’s office of general counsel, also looked into Texas A&M’s decision to temporarily suspend a respected opioids expert after she was accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in a lecture.

The Texas Tribune

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Texas A&M interim president pledges more transparency after accusations of political interference

In his first comments as interim president, Mark A. Welsh IIII cast recent concerns over political interference in Texas A&M’s employment decisions as “communication breakdowns.”

The Texas Tribune

Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes overdose victims “deserve to die”

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham alleged Wednesday that opioids expert Joy Alonzo told students in a guest lecture that “Your Lt. Governor says those kids deserve to die.” Alonzo denied the claims.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M University System regents name Mark Welsh interim president of flagship campus

The board also gave university lawyers the green light to negotiate a possible settlement with Kathleen McElroy after the university bungled the hiring of the journalism professor.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M regents could offer a settlement to the journalism professor at center of hiring controversy

The system’s board also plans to formally appoint an interim president after Katherine Banks resigned last week following news that the school changed its job offer to Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor, after outcries from conservative groups.

The Texas Tribune

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Faculty worry about Texas A&M’s future after controversies over higher ed politicization

The university has been rattled by two cases in which university officials were apparently rushed into making faculty employment decisions due to political pressure.

The Texas Tribune

A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing lieutenant governor

Joy Alonzo was suspended and investigated after she allegedly criticized Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at a lecture on the opioid crisis. Free speech advocates call the probe "blatantly inappropriate."

WEKU

Texas professor suspended hours after criticizing lieutenant governor in lecture

Joy Alonzo accused by student of disparaging Dan Patrick in lecture on opioid crisis at Texas A&M University

The Guardian - US

Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture

The professor, an expert on the opioids crisis, was placed on paid administrative leave and investigated, raising questions about the extent of political interference in higher education, particularly in health-related matters.

The Texas Tribune

For Black Aggies, questions over professor’s botched hiring persist after president’s departure

In the fallout from A&M’s failure to hire Kathleen McElroy, students and alumni lament the missed opportunity to revive the university’s journalism program and provide students with mentorship.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M president 'retires immediately' over fallout from botched journalist hire

The university announced in June it hired Kathleen McElroy, a former New York Times journalist, to lead its journalism program. The hire quickly drew backlash from conservatives across Texas.

WEKU

Texas A&M President Katherine Banks resigns amid fallout from failed hiring of journalism professor

“The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately,” Banks wrote in her resignation letter. “The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.”

The Texas Tribune

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The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M president says she didn’t know about job offer changes that led to professor’s botched hiring

M. Katherine Banks told faculty she was unaware of successive, diminished offers to Kathleen O. McElroy, who was recruited to revive a journalism program. Professors demanded an investigation.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M interim dean resigns after university backtracks on hiring professor to revive journalism program

José Luis Bermúdez, who led the school’s College of Arts and Sciences, will leave his position after a deal to hire respected journalist Kathleen O. McElroy fell apart amid conservative pushback.

The Texas Tribune

A&M faculty leaders decry “appearance of outside influence” in botched hiring of journalism professor

The university announced the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black former New York Times journalist, but later backtracked on its offer amid conservative pushback.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M recruited a UT professor to revive its journalism program, then backtracked after “DEI hysteria”

The university celebrated its decision to hire Kathleen McElroy to revive its journalism program. She says she’s staying at UT after she felt judged because of her race and gender.

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The Texas Tribune

As Texas lawmakers tussle over property tax relief, it’s unclear whether renters will benefit

Texas’ top Republicans are fighting over how to split property tax cuts between businesses and homeowners. Democrats want renters to see relief, too.

The Texas Tribune

With race-based admissions no longer an option, states may imitate Texas Top 10% Plan

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the practice unconstitutional, admissions experts say other states could look to Texas’ Top 10% Plan as a way to diversify their student bodies.

The Texas Tribune

A property tax deal has eluded Texas lawmakers. Here’s where things stand at the start of another special session.

Top Republicans promised property tax cuts, but have been locked in standoffs on how to achieve it. Gov. Greg Abbott has called another overtime legislative session in hopes of solidifying a plan.

The Texas Tribune

Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.

Students with disabilities can find success in college, live independently and get jobs with the right kind of help. Here are college programs that provide support.

The Texas Tribune

Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.

Students with disabilities can succeed in college with the right kind of help. There are programs that can support them. The programs help them live on their own, find jobs, and make a difference where they live.

The Texas Tribune

Texas A&M University System starts “ethics and compliance review” of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts ahead of ban

According to a June 13 letter, all Texas A&M universities must provide details on a wide range of programs, trainings and presentations that touch on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus, including faculty organizations and mission statements.

The Texas Tribune

With $1.4 billion investment, Texas hopes to sprint to the front of the microchip manufacturing race

Microchips are increasingly present in every day life, from phones and laptops to cars and washing machines. Gov. Greg Abbott approved last week a stimulus package in an effort to shore up the supply chain after the pandemic’s disruptions.

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