UH Professor Refuses to Sign Pledge Against 'Indoctrination'

Educator cites Enlightenment values of critical thinking in rejecting university's request.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A University of Houston professor who teaches a course on the European Enlightenment has refused to sign a document pledging not to 'indoctrinate' students, arguing that this goes against the core principles of the Enlightenment and his duty to encourage critical thinking.

Why it matters

The professor's stance highlights growing tensions in Texas over academic freedom and the role of public universities, as the state legislature has passed laws aimed at limiting discussions of gender and race in classrooms.

The details

The professor, Robert Zaretsky, received a message from the university's dean requesting that faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences sign a document attesting they are not 'indoctrinating' students but rather teaching them critical thinking skills. Zaretsky, who teaches a course on the Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant, sees this request as antithetical to the values of the Enlightenment and his responsibility to encourage students to question and explore ideas.

  • Last year, the Texas Legislature passed SB 37, a law that weakens faculty control over courses and curricula.
  • In November, Texas A&M banned all courses related to 'gender and race ideology'.
  • In February 2026, UH president Renu Khator asked faculty to confirm they were not 'indoctrinating' students.

The players

Robert Zaretsky

A professor at the University of Houston who teaches a course on the history and thought of the European Enlightenment.

Renu Khator

The president of the University of Houston.

Texas Legislature

The state legislature of Texas, which passed a law last year weakening faculty control over courses and curricula.

Texas A&M

A public university in Texas that banned all courses related to 'gender and race ideology' in November.

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What they’re saying

“Enlightenment happens, Kant declares, when we throw off our 'self-incurred immaturity' and, as in the ancient Latin motto, we 'dare to know!'”

— Robert Zaretsky, Professor (Houston Chronicle)

“Critical thinking has the explosive potential to blast apart the very basis of social and political order.”

— Robert Zaretsky, Professor (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Zaretsky plans to continue teaching his Enlightenment course and encouraging critical thinking in his students, despite the university's request to sign the pledge against 'indoctrination'.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions in Texas over academic freedom and the role of public universities, as state legislators seek to limit discussions of certain topics in the classroom. Zaretsky's refusal to sign the pledge reflects the Enlightenment values of free inquiry and critical thinking that many believe are under threat.