Texas Tech University System Chancellor Brandon Creighton’s office sent out instructions to component university presidents regarding new policies on “Course Content Oversight and Review” on Monday, Dec. 1, labeled “25-12-1-Memorandum-Chancellor-Creighton-FINAL.”
In the memorandum, Creighton states:
Texas Tech University System institutions must ensure that classroom instruction fully complies with state and federal law, Board of Regents policy, and Chancellor directives. Effective immediately, faculty must not include or advocate in any form course content that conflicts with the following standards.
Advocacy/Promotion of Race or Sex-based Prejudice Prohibited
A faculty member, in their official capacity, may not promote or otherwise inculcate the belief that:
- One race or sex is inherently superior to another;
- An individual, by virtue of race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, consciously or unconsciously;
- Any person should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of race or sex;
- Moral character or worth is determined by race or sex;
- Individuals bear responsibility or guilt for actions of others of the same race or sex; or
- Meritocracy or a strong work ethic are racist, sexist, or constructs of oppression.
Advocacy or promotion means presenting these beliefs as correct or required and pressuring students to affirm them, rather than analyzing or critiquing them as one viewpoint among others.
This also includes course content that promotes activism on issues related to race or sex, rather than academic instruction.
Two Sexes Recognized Under the Law and in Course Content
State law and federal policy dictate only two sexes, male and female, are recognized.
Faculty are expected to comply with these standards when instructing students in their professional capacity, which includes submitting course content related to gender identity through the course content review process overseen by the Board of Regents.
Review of Sexual Orientation Content Required
Faculty are required to submit course content related to sexual orientation through the Course Content Review Process overseen by the board of regents.
Course Content Review Process
If a faculty member believes a particular material or topic described above is implicated in their instruction or course materials, they must follow the Course Content Review Process provided with this memorandum and the attached Course Content Review Process flowchart.
It should also be noted that, in addition to the three categories listed above, faculty members must adhere to the general standard of only utilizing course content that is relevant and necessary for classroom instruction.
The integrity of this process depends on the earnest participation of every faculty member.
Noncompliance may result in disciplinary action consistent with university policy and state law.
The strength of any university rests on the caliber, dedication, and integrity of its faculty, and the Texas Tech University System is fortunate to have talented faculty who understand the importance of their work and its lasting impact in shaping the lives and futures of our students. This directive is the first step of the Board of Regents’ ongoing implementation of its statutory responsibility to review and oversee curriculum under Senate Bill 37 and related provisions of the Education Code. This curriculum review under Senate Bill 37 will, in part, ensure each university is offering degrees of value.
2 Comments
I am a professor at Angelo State University.
I refuse to comply with this illegal order. This attempt to silence “Sexual Orientation Content” in classrooms compels faculty to directly discriminate against lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. They have civil rights that I am legally obliged to protect as a professor and a state employee.