Texas professor firings spur AAUP union surge statewide

About 800 faculty, staff and grad students joined AAUP-AFT chapters across Texas in 30 days after high-profile professor terminations.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After Texas A&M and Texas State University fired two professors who had drawn conservative backlash, about 800 faculty, staff and graduate students joined AAUP-AFT unions across Texas over the next 30 days. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for professors and researchers navigating changes in higher education, including restrictions on classroom instruction and personal speech.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of AAUP chapters in Texas highlights growing concerns among faculty about academic freedom and job security, as state lawmakers and university administrators take steps to restrict certain topics and speech on campuses. The AAUP is positioning itself as a key defender of professors' rights, providing peer support, advocacy and legal representation.

The details

In September 2025, Texas A&M University and Texas State University each fired a professor shortly after they drew conservative criticism on social media. Over the next 30 days, the Texas Conference of the AAUP, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), says about 800 faculty, staff and graduate students joined AAUP-AFT chapters across the state. The A&M chapter grew from 50 to 400 members, while the Texas State chapter expanded from 25 to 180 members.

  • In late 2025, the Texas A&M University system approved a policy to restrict faculty from advocating race and gender ideology.
  • In September 2025, a professor at Texas A&M and another at Texas State were fired shortly after drawing conservative backlash on social media.
  • Over the next 30 days, about 800 faculty, staff and graduate students joined AAUP-AFT chapters across Texas.

The players

Brian Evans

President of the Texas Conference American Association of University Professors.

Martin Peterson

A philosophy professor at Texas A&M University.

Ira Dworkin

Vice president of the Texas A&M chapter of the AAUP.

Melissa McCoul

A professor who was fired from Texas A&M after discussing gender identity in a children's literature course.

Tom Alter

A professor who lost his tenured position at Texas State University for speaking online at a socialist conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.