Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
In June, Texas A&M University made a public announcement about hiring Kathleen McElroy as the director of the journalism program. However, the university later changed its offer to McElroy, leading her to return to her former position at the University of Texas. The situation caused a public outcry and resulted in the resignations of the university president and interim dean. McElroy recently reached a million dollar settlement with the university. Concerns about McElroy’s background had clouded the hiring process from the beginning, and some conservative alumni groups amplified criticisms of her appointment. Conservative regents’ concerns ultimately led to McElroy not being granted tenure and her contract being watered down. Alongside the McElroy controversy, there was another instance of political interference with academic freedom at Texas A&M involving an assistant professor who criticized Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Patrick contacted the university chancellor about the professor’s remarks, leading to an investigation that found no wrongdoing. These incidents highlight the influence and abuse of power by conservatives in higher education. Real progress in academic freedom cannot be achieved as long as these actors remain in power.
