Texas A&M Ends Women's and Gender Studies Degree Program

University cites low enrollment, rising costs, and new curriculum rules shaped by state policy as reasons for discontinuing program.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas A&M University has announced it will discontinue its women's and gender studies degree program, citing low student enrollment, financial considerations, and new restrictions governing academic curriculum as the institution reshapes its course offerings. The program's elimination comes amid heightened political and public scrutiny of gender and sexuality issues at the College Station-based university.

Why it matters

The decision to end the women's and gender studies program at Texas A&M reflects a broader trend of increasing political influence over higher education curriculum, as state policymakers seek to limit the teaching of certain topics related to race, gender, and sexuality. This move raises concerns about academic freedom and the ability of universities to independently determine their academic offerings.

The details

In an internal email, Texas A&M's interim president and a senior executive cited cost concerns and limited enrollment as the primary drivers behind the decision to discontinue the women's and gender studies program. The university also pointed to new curriculum guidelines adopted by the Board of Regents, which bar courses that 'teach race or gender ideology or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity.' As part of the review process, the university has canceled six additional courses and revised hundreds of syllabi across its colleges and schools to comply with the new standards.

  • On February 1, 2026, Texas A&M University announced it will discontinue its women's and gender studies degree program.
  • In the summer of 2025, a classroom dispute at Texas A&M over gender identity-related content gained national attention and triggered backlash from state officials.
  • In January 2025, former President Trump issued an executive order stating that U.S. policy recognizes 'two sexes, male and female' and directing federal agencies to avoid promoting what the order described as 'gender ideology.'

The players

Texas A&M University

A public research university located in College Station, Texas, and one of the largest universities in the United States.

Tommy Williams

Interim President of Texas A&M University.

Cynthia Werner

Senior Executive Associate at Texas A&M University.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who issued an executive order in January 2025 regarding gender identity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know this is devastating news. One of the primary duties of university administrators is to be good stewards of public money. Even the smallest programs require ongoing investment in faculty time, staff support, and administrative oversight.”

— Tommy Williams, Interim President

What’s next

The university has stated that current students enrolled in the women's and gender studies program will be allowed to complete their degrees. Additionally, the university's Board of Regents has indicated that further curriculum adjustments could follow as the review process continues.

The takeaway

The decision to discontinue the women's and gender studies program at Texas A&M reflects a broader trend of increasing political influence over higher education curriculum, as state policymakers seek to limit the teaching of certain topics related to race, gender, and sexuality. This move raises concerns about academic freedom and the ability of universities to independently determine their academic offerings, and it highlights the ongoing tensions between academic institutions and political agendas.