Texas A&M President Mark Welsh to Step Down Amid Gender Identity Controversy

Lead Retired Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III will resign as president of Texas A&M University on Friday after intense backlash over his handling of a viral classroom video on gender identity in College Station.

Nut Graf The decision follows widespread criticism from state lawmakers and campus stakeholders after a student filmed herself challenging a professor’s lesson on gender diversity in a children’s literature class. The controversy prompted the dismissal of the instructor, demotion of two administrators and mounting calls for Welsh’s removal, underscoring political tensions surrounding university curriculum in Texas.

Fallout from Viral Video

• A video, first shared by Rep. Brian Harrison on social media, showed a student questioning a children’s literature instructor about teaching more than two genders, citing executive orders and religious beliefs.
• Welsh initially resisted firing the professor but ultimately directed her dismissal on Sept. 9; the moves failed to satisfy critics including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who deemed Welsh’s response inadequate.

Political Pressure and Campus Reaction

• Republican leaders, notably Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick, publicly condemned Welsh’s actions and threatened broader oversight of university governance.
• Letters of support poured in from top faculty and student leaders, praising Welsh’s service and urging Regents to retain his leadership despite external pressures.

Transition Plans

• Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the A&M System Board of Regents announced the resignation and praised Welsh’s “selfless dedication” to the university, emphasizing that the move positions Texas A&M for “continued excellence.”
• The Board will appoint an interim president and launch a national search for a permanent successor in the coming days, aiming to ensure a seamless transition.