A new Texas Tech University System policy requires faculty to comply with a federal executive order, a gubernatorial letter and a new state law recognizing only two sexes. Professors say the policy has sparked confusion and left them feeling like they would be exposed if their teachings drew political fire.

Texas Tech system’s vague guidelines on gender identity spur more questions than answers

Faculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune October 7, 2025October 7, 2025

Faculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.

The Texas Tech University's administration building on July 8, 2020. The Texas Tech University System issued guidance Thursday instructing faculty to comply with recent executive orders and state laws recognizing only the male and female genders.

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Texas Tech chancellor limits academic mentions of transgender and nonbinary identities at five universities

Advocacy groups say the new state law, presidential executive order and gubernatorial letter Tedd Mitchell cited do not prohibit classroom discussions of particular LGBTQ+ identities.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune September 26, 2025September 26, 2025

Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, Texas.

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Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to removals

After the video fueled outrage, two college leaders were removed from their administrative roles for approving plans to teach content inconsistent with the course’s published description.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune September 9, 2025September 9, 2025

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Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports say

An enrollment drop could cost the Texas economy hundreds of millions of dollars, the reports say.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune August 27, 2025August 30, 2025

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Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continues

In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the school’s prohibition on drag performances, finding students are likely to prove it violates the First Amendment.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune August 19, 2025August 28, 2025

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Bill to teach Texas kids the dangers of communism — but not fascism — OK’d by House

The bill won bipartisan support despite efforts from multiple Democrats that would have also required students to learn about fascism and Nazism.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune May 22, 2025May 28, 2025

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Texas House committee advances legislation that targets state’s universities

Senate bills that reduce the influence of faculties and restrict protests on college campuses were voted out of committee in a last-minute meeting Monday.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune May 20, 2025May 28, 2025

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Faculty and students blast Texas House panel for limiting testimony on bill that targets state universities

The House’s higher education committee closed registration to testify on Senate Bill 37 less than half an hour after the hearing started. About 20 people said they didn’t get to address lawmakers.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune May 16, 2025June 6, 2025

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After immigration crackdown, international students in Texas self-censor to protect their education

Students told the Tribune they have deleted social media accounts, socialize less and steer clear of charged topics to avoid becoming targets of immigration authorities.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune May 10, 2025June 9, 2025

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Court orders immigration officials to restore legal status of three people who came to Texas on student visas

The three former students went to UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas. While they have prevailed in court so far, many other international students’ education futures remain uncertain.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune April 18, 2025May 6, 2025

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Texas Senate to consider bill that could reshape how history and race are taught in state universities

An overhauled version of Senate Bill 37 would also allow anyone to file complaints that could lead schools to lose funds.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune April 10, 2025April 26, 2025

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University of Texas System bans drag shows in campus facilities

The move comes a few weeks after the Texas A&M System issued a similar ban, which is being challenged in court.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune March 18, 2025May 5, 2025

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Texas A&M System bans drag shows from its universities

The move potentially sets up a new First Amendment fight between students and university administrators.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune March 1, 2025March 24, 2025

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UT-Austin’s presidency goes vacant amid growing challenges for Texas public university leaders

In recent years university presidents have been facing growing political pressures, student and faculty pushback and an increasingly demanding job.

by Jessica Priest, The Texas Tribune January 11, 2025January 18, 2025