Texas A&M University Cancels Graduate Ethics Course Mid-Semester
Texas A&M University has made a sudden decision to cancel a graduate-level ethics course just three days into the new semester. University administrators cited concerns that the class did not meet recently implemented system-wide standards governing classroom discussions about race, gender, and sexuality.
This abrupt cancellation has ignited intense debate across academic circles. Faculty members and students are questioning the implications for academic freedom, transparency in syllabus review processes, and the broader impact of policy changes on higher education throughout Texas.
Course Cancellation Details and University Explanation
According to reports from AP News, the course had already conducted its first session before administrators intervened to withdraw it. This timing makes the decision particularly notable, as previous cases typically involved course modifications or reviews before classes actually began.
The affected course was Ethics and Public Policy (PSAA 642), taught by Professor Leonard Bright at the Bush School of Government and Public Service. In a schoolwide email sent on Wednesday, Bush School Dean John Sherman stated the cancellation was necessary under Texas A&M system policy.
Sherman explained that Professor Bright failed to provide sufficient information about how race, gender, or related topics would be addressed in his teaching. Despite repeated administrative requests for clarification, the university said it could not determine whether the course complied with a policy that prohibits classes from advocating race or gender ideology without special exemption.
Courses covering these sensitive topics must undergo review and receive approval from top university officials. A university spokesperson told AP News that departments have until Friday to submit courses for review, with final decisions expected before the January 28 add-drop deadline.
Professor Challenges University's Account
Professor Leonard Bright has strongly disputed the university's explanation for canceling his course. In an interview with The Texas Tribune, he stated he clearly informed administrators that issues of race, gender, and sexuality would naturally emerge throughout the course rather than being confined to specific lectures.
"I told them it was going to come up every day," Bright emphasized. He added that discussions, case studies, and readings in ethics and public policy inherently involve these themes. "There is no one day. That's how this class works."
Bright also clarified that students were never required to agree with his personal views. He stressed that the course encouraged open discussion rather than advocacy of particular positions.
Course Content and Student Impact
According to the syllabus reviewed by AP News, the course examined how various social identities—including race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—influence public policy and the ethical responsibilities of public servants.
One week of instruction specifically focused on equity and social justice in public administration. Required readings included materials on:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles
- Critical race theory perspectives
- Philosopher John Rawls' influential work A Theory of Justice
Bright noted this was the only ethics course offered at the Bush School during the current semester.
Initially, ten students enrolled in the course. After Bright informed the class about the administrative review and potential cancellation, two students chose to transfer to another class. University officials stated they are assisting the remaining students in finding alternative courses.
University's Position on Academic Freedom
In his email to the school community, Dean Sherman revealed that Bright's course was one of two Bush School classes requiring exemptions from the vice provost of academic affairs. The other course was able to continue because administrators could seek approval based on sufficient syllabus detail.
"I take no pleasure in canceling a course," Sherman wrote, according to AP News. "I want us to continue to teach hard topics and engage with controversial issues. But I also expect us to follow the approval process. Transparency does not equal censorship."
Emails obtained by The Texas Tribune show Bright was never asked to remove or revise any content before the course cancellation occurred.
Broader Implications Across Texas Campuses
This cancellation occurs amid wider changes sweeping through Texas higher education. Last week, the dean of Texas A&M's College of Arts and Sciences informed faculty that approximately 200 courses could be affected by the new policy.
In a separate incident, a philosophy professor reported being asked to remove Plato readings related to race and gender or face reassignment. The university later clarified that Plato himself was not banned from coursework.
Professor Bright, who has taught this ethics course since 2018, also serves as president of the Texas A&M chapter of the American Association of University Professors. This organization has publicly opposed the new policy.
Policy Background and Legislative Context
As reported by AP News, the Texas A&M Board of Regents approved this policy last year following backlash over a classroom discussion about gender identity. That discussion was secretly recorded and circulated online, drawing criticism from conservative activists and lawmakers.
The incident triggered reviews of course content across multiple public university systems in Texas, including Texas Tech University.
While no state or federal law explicitly bans discussions of race, gender, or sexuality in college classrooms, Texas law does require universities to post syllabi online. In response to recent controversies, some institutions have introduced additional administrative reviews for certain courses.
University officials indicate decisions on course approvals and cancellations will be finalized before the end of the add-drop period. Potentially hundreds of courses may face changes under the new rules as this review process continues.
