Texas A&M University president Mark A. Welsh III is stepping down after a viral classroom video sparked national controversy and intense political pressure. His resignation, announced Thursday by Chancellor Glenn Hegar, will take effect Friday evening, ending his tenure at the helm of one of the largest public universities in the United States.The decision follows weeks of turmoil after a student filmed herself objecting to a children’s literature lesson on gender identity, which later led to the dismissal of senior lecturer Melissa McCoul. The clip was widely shared on social media, with several Republican politicians, including Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, calling for McCoul’s termination and criticising Welsh’s handling of the incident.“President Welsh is a man of honour who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication,” Hegar said in a statement. “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.”
Who is Mark A. Welsh?
Born in San Antonio, General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III is a decorated Air Force officer and former chief of staff of the US Air Force. He served as dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service before becoming Texas A&M’s 27th president in 2023.During his four-decade military career, Welsh commanded NATO’s Air Command in Germany, advised the CIA, and held senior posts in the Pentagon. His honours include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross.Despite his service record, Welsh’s presidency became defined by the classroom controversy that ultimately cost him his position. The Texas A&M Board of Regents has promised to launch a national search for his successor, while an interim leader will be appointed to guide the university through its latest upheaval.
The controversy
The fallout began when McCoul, a long-serving English department lecturer, was accused of teaching “gender ideology” after introducing students to a “gender unicorn” tool. The student, citing Donald Trump’s position that only two genders should be recognised, argued the lesson was “not legal.”Welsh responded by directing the provost to dismiss McCoul, stating the course “did not align with any reasonable expectation of standard curriculum.” He also removed the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department from their positions, while ordering a wider audit of courses across all 12 A&M campuses.
