The Texas Tech system has ordered all teachers to avoid classroom discussions about trans identity, Texas Tribune Report.
Tedd Mitchell, secretary of Texas Tech, wrote in a letter to leaders of five universities in the system that the institutions must comply with “current state and federal laws” that recognize only two types of human men and women: male and female. “He cites Texas House Bill 229, which strictly defines sexual behavior as determined by the reproductive organs, a letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directs agencies to “refusing to awaken gender ideology,” and President Trump’s January executive order (which is not federal law), is not a person with only two genders.
“While the First Amendment rights of employees are recognized in an individual capacity, teachers must comply with these laws within the scope of their work under the guidance of their students,” Mitchell wrote.
The move comes a confusing week after Angelo State University, part of the Texas tech system, first, a new set of policies seem to prohibit teachers from pursuing any form of pride, but ultimately only limited discussions and content related to trans identities.
Mitchell’s letter provided little guidance to teachers on how to implement the new policy, suggesting that it presents certain challenges.
“This is a developing legal field, and we acknowledge that there are problems and may need adjustments as new guidance is issued at the state and federal levels,” he wrote. “We totally hope that the discussion will continue.”
