"Absurd Program" - Texas A&M Cuts LGBT Minor

Texas A&M University is discontinuing its LGBTQ+ minor due to low enrollment, following criticism from Republican lawmakers who claimed it promoted "liberal indoctrination." The university is cutting 14 minors and 38 certificates that awarded fewer than five degrees per academic year and fewer than 25 degrees in five years. The LGBTQ+ minor aimed to examine how gender and sexuality are socially constructed and how they shape social statuses in societies. Texas Representative Brian Harrison had called for the program's discontinuation, claiming it was a waste of taxpayer funds on "liberal indoctrination." Harrison stated he was pleased with the decision and looked forward to further discussions with the university to prevent funding of "leftist propaganda." Texas A&M Sociology Professor Mary Campbell disagreed, arguing that removing the minor would negatively impact students' opportunities and academic freedom. The university also discontinued the Asian Studies minor and certificates in "Diversity and Social Justice," "Popular Culture," and "Performing Social Activism." However, courses associated with the deactivated programs will remain unaffected. The full list of deactivated minors and certificates will be made public on October 14 when it appears before the Faculty Senate.