Texas A&M University has fired a professor and removed key administrators—namely the dean and department head—after backlash over a class in which a student was asked to leave for objecting to discussion of “queerness” in children’s literature. The professor, Dr. Melissa McCoul, reportedly asserted that “queerness” isn’t automatically inappropriate for young readers and challenged heteronormative views during the lesson.
In leaked footage, one student objected to content in the course, saying it conflicted not only with their personal beliefs but also others’ religious convictions. The student expressed unwillingness to participate, arguing that it was not legal under the Trump administration’s executive orders concerning DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in education. In response, Dr. McCoul told the student to leave, asserting her legal and ethical authority to teach in the classroom.
After the video went public, State Representative Brian Harrison shared it, called on state and federal officials to investigate, and demanded accountability. President Mark A. Welsh III initially defended that LGBT-themed literature can be taught if clearly part of the published course description. However, he later directed that the dean and department head be removed because they had approved course content that did not match the course catalogue’s description. Dr. McCoul was also fired for refusing to align with the approved description.
This case at Texas A&M reflects a larger movement in conservative circles demanding stricter oversight of what is taught in public universities—especially around gender identity, sexuality, and children’s literature. For many, the firings represent a precedent: that courses must align with their declared content, that students should not be ambushed with ideology, and that professors and administrators are accountable for transparency as well as respecting religious convictions.