University of Texas Regents to Vote on 'Controversial Topics' Standards

Faculty group says proposed policy would amount to 'censorship' of classroom discussions

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The University of Texas Board of Regents is set to vote on a new policy that would introduce new expectations and requirements for faculty when teaching controversial topics. The proposed 'University of Texas System Expectations of Academic Integrity and Standards for Teaching Controversial Topics' policy aims to 'balance' faculty freedoms with responsibilities, but a faculty group argues it would restrict how instructors can present differing views and challenge students.

Why it matters

The policy change follows similar moves by the Texas A&M system and reflects broader debates around academic freedom, the role of public universities, and how to handle the teaching of controversial subjects. Critics argue the new standards would undermine faculty expertise and censor classroom discussions, while supporters say the policy upholds academic integrity and public trust.

The details

The proposed policy would require faculty to 'foster classroom cultures of trust,' 'fairly present differing views and scholarly evidence,' and 'eschew topics and controversies that are not germane to the course.' The Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-AFT) has criticized these new requirements, arguing they restrict how instructors can answer student questions, introduce new ideas, and challenge students. The group says the policy amounts to 'censorship' that undermines faculty expertise.

  • The University of Texas Board of Regents is expected to vote on the policy on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

University of Texas Board of Regents

The governing body of the University of Texas System, responsible for setting policies and overseeing the system's 14 institutions.

Dr. John M. Zerwas

Chancellor of the University of Texas System, who recommended the proposed policy changes.

Dr. Archie L. Holmes Jr.

Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for the University of Texas System, who also recommended the proposed policy changes.

Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-AFT)

A faculty group that has criticized the proposed policy changes as amounting to 'censorship' of classroom discussions.

Brian Evans

President of the Texas AAUP-AFT, who argued the policy changes would sacrifice the 'rigorous education' that students deserve.

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What they’re saying

“Every day in our classrooms, Texas professors and other instructors get to watch the brightest minds in our state grapple with the pressing issues of the day and come out the other side better equipped for the future. By pressuring colleges and universities to adopt these policies, state leaders are sacrificing the rigorous education our students deserve.”

— Brian Evans, President, Texas AAUP-AFT (KXAN)

What’s next

The University of Texas Board of Regents is expected to vote on the proposed policy changes on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

This policy debate highlights the ongoing tensions around academic freedom, the role of public universities, and how to handle the teaching of controversial topics. While supporters argue the changes uphold academic integrity, critics contend the new standards would undermine faculty expertise and censor classroom discussions, ultimately compromising the quality of education for students.