Texas A&M President Welsh resigns after gender lesson backlash

Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh is stepping down, ending the tenure of the retired Air Force general two years after taking the role.

Welsh’s departure took effect on Thursday, according to a statement from Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

The board plans to name an interim leader in the coming days and begin a national search for his permanent successor.

Welsh has been taking heat in recent days by Republican lawmakers after a video went viral showing a student accusing a professor of teaching “gender ideology” during a class. The video, posted on X by Republican state lawmaker Brian Harrison, drew national attention and prompted involvement by the U.S. Justice Department.

Welsh initially removed a dean and department head saying the course content strayed from its approved catalog description. The professor was fired after Governor Greg Abbott urged for the school to do so.

“President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” said Hegar. “We are grateful for his service and contributions. At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead.”

Welsh is just the latest university president to quit abruptly in the past few years as Republican lawmakers target schools over how they teach, enforce discipline and recruit students and staff.