Texas A&M University has eliminated its women’s and gender studies degree program after political pressure and a sweeping review of course content. This decision goes far beyond one small program. It sends a warning to students and faculty that academic choices can be erased when they become controversial.

Public universities exist to educate, not to censor.

Texas A&M leaders say the program was cut due to enrollment and cost. But the timing matters. The elimination came after new rules restricting how race and gender can be discussed in class and after intense political scrutiny. Faculty report that hundreds of courses were altered behind the scenes to avoid punishment. That is not normal program evaluation. That is fear driven decision making.

Academic freedom is a core value of higher education. It protects students’ right to learn broadly and faculty’s right to teach honestly. When entire areas of study are removed under political pressure, everyone loses, regardless of ideology.

This petition calls on Texas A&M University leadership and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents to reverse the elimination of the women’s and gender studies degree program and to reaffirm a clear commitment to academic freedom. Decisions about curriculum should be made through transparent, faculty led processes, not political backlash.

Today it is women’s and gender studies. Tomorrow it could be ethics, history, religion, or any course that draws political attention.

If you believe public universities should remain places of open inquiry, not ideological control, add your name and demand action now.