Texas A&M University’s struggle with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies has not ended with the resignation of President Mark Welsh. Critics now point to the university’s new interim president and a presidential finalist at one of its branch campuses as further evidence that DEI remains entrenched at the system’s highest levels.
Texas Scorecard reports that interim president James Hallmark has a history of defending DEI. A 2019 article showed Hallmark opposing legislative efforts to restrict DEI programs, saying DEI is “a whole lot more to do with student success” and about “trying to help every student who comes to our campus be successful.” Conservative critics say his appointment signals no real change at the top.
At the same time, the lone finalist to lead Texas A&M University Victoria, Christian Hardigree, has long promoted DEI initiatives, according to Scorecard. Her background includes advancing diversity initiatives and programs at other universities, raising concern that A&M’s regional campuses will deepen their DEI commitments.
These developments come after weeks of controversy that began when two students recorded a children’s literature class promoting gender ideology. When they brought their complaints to Welsh, he dismissed them. State Rep. Brian Harrison posted recordings of both the class and Welsh’s comments, which quickly went viral.
CAUGHT ON TAPE: TEXAS A&M STUDENT KICKED OUT OF CLASS AFTER OBJECTING TO TRANSGENDER INDOCTRINATION... and A&M President defends ‘LGBTQ Studies.’
As pressure mounted, Welsh removed administrators and ordered reviews, but the backlash only grew. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick questioned Welsh’s future, and Gov. Greg Abbott called for accountability. Ultimately, Welsh resigned, though he did not directly cite the controversy.
Even with Welsh gone, Harrison warned the problems persist.
I am demanding answers from the Texas A&M Chancellor and Regents since they are set to hire yet another leftist who bragged about DEI and giving preferential hiring treatment to TRANSGENDER and IMMIGRANTS over American citizens!
Aggie alumnus Michael Quinn Sullivan echoed that concern, writing about some of Hallmark’s previous efforts to promote and protect DEI:
Acting @TAMU President Robert Hallmark tried to gaslight people into believing DEI wasn't leftwing indoctrination but rather "student success." And he apparently told TxLege officials in '23 that banning DEI would be the end of NCAA football in Texas.
The continuing disputes over A&M leadership show that the fight over DEI in Texas higher education is far from finished.
