Texas A&M president Mark Welsh III fired an English professor because a student objected to comments she made related to gender identity.

Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar meets alumni and school officials during a visit to Texas A&M University Victoria, formerly University of Houston - Victoria, in Victoria, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar is seen before speaking to alumni and school officials during a visit to Texas A&M University Victoria, formerly University of Houston - Victoria, in Victoria, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

When the three Holley boys were growing up in Waco long ago, our golden-haired hero was older cousin Jerry, a star running back at Waco High and a sprinter, hurdler, broad jumper and high jumper for the Tigers’ track team. The Waco branch of the Holleys, despite living atop the Baptist buckle of the Bible Belt, were staunch members of the Church of Christ, so when it came time for Jerry to choose among numerous college offers, it wasn’t all that surprising that he spurned Southwest Conference schools in favor of then-Abilene Christian College (now ACU). Jerry would play football for the Wildcats and run track for Coach Oliver Jackson, molder of Olympians.

Some years later, I followed my cousin to ACU, both to live and learn among our Church of Christ brethren and also to pitch for the Wildcats’ baseball team. During my four years at ACU, my folks no doubt expected me to grow stronger in the faith, but something else happened, something more profound. I encountered a handful of professors who challenged my youthful notions, gently reminded me there was more to life than baseball and who taught me how to think, although not necessarily what to think. In other words, I got an education.

Something similar happened at UT-Austin, where my graduate-school English and American Studies professors delighted in challenging the callow youth in their classes.

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Those ancient memories come to mind because of a recent disturbing incident at Texas A&M University. A senior lecturer in the English department lost her job, because a student objected to........

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