Texas A&M Eliminates Women's and Gender Studies Program

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Texas A&M University has decided to eliminate its women's and gender studies program, citing low enrollment and financial constraints. However, the move is widely seen as a response to intensifying political pressure and a broader cultural backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education.

Why it matters

The elimination of the women's and gender studies program at Texas A&M is part of a growing trend across the U.S., where similar programs are facing scrutiny, budget cuts, or outright closure. This reflects a larger political climate that is increasingly targeting what conservative groups perceive as ideological bias in higher education, particularly within fields like gender studies.

The details

The catalyst at Texas A&M was a viral video of a student challenging a professor on gender identity, highlighting the tension between conservative groups and academic freedom. This pressure manifests in legislative efforts to restrict DEI programs, public campaigns against specific courses, and increased scrutiny of faculty research. Beyond politics, the economic realities facing humanities programs, such as declining enrollment and the perceived limited job market for graduates, also contribute to the elimination of women's and gender studies programs.

• The decision by Texas A&M University to eliminate its women's and gender studies program was announced on January 30, 2026.

What’s next

The future of interdisciplinary studies like women's and gender studies remains uncertain, as universities may shift towards integrating these perspectives into other disciplines. However, maintaining critical perspectives and fostering specialized expertise requires dedicated resources and faculty.