Texas Tech Limits Discussions on Race, Gender, and Sexuality

New chancellor's directive sparks confusion and course cancellations across the university system

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Texas Tech University is struggling to implement new restrictions set by the system's new chancellor, Brandon Creighton, that limit how race, gender, and sexuality can be discussed in classrooms. Faculty are uncertain about the boundaries of the rules and have had to cancel or modify courses as a result, leaving some students frustrated that they are unable to learn the material they signed up for.

Why it matters

The new restrictions at Texas Tech are part of a broader political debate in Texas over the role of ideology in higher education. The changes have immediate impacts on students' education, but also raise concerns about academic freedom and the university's ability to provide a well-rounded curriculum.

The details

Shortly after taking office, Chancellor Creighton issued a memo directing faculty to refrain from "advocating or promoting" certain beliefs related to race, gender, and sexuality. The memo also instructed faculty to disclose course content for review. This has led to the cancellation of several courses, including "Ethnic Minority Psychology" and "Close Relationships", and has caused faculty to remove or censor readings and discussions in other classes. Administrators have provided little guidance to faculty on how to interpret the new rules, leaving them to rely on their "professional judgment".

  • On December 1, 2025, Chancellor Creighton issued the memo with the new restrictions.
  • In mid-December 2025, faculty were given a link to submit course materials for review.
  • In late December 2025 and early January 2026, faculty began receiving responses from administrators about their submissions.

The players

Brandon Creighton

The new chancellor of the Texas Tech University System who issued the memo imposing the new restrictions on discussing race, gender, and sexuality in classrooms.

Henry Carter

A Texas Tech student majoring in history with a minor in women's and gender studies, who is frustrated by the changes limiting the discussions in his courses.

Zoe Wittekiend

A Texas Tech sophomore and student senator who is working on a resolution to raise awareness of the restrictions and formally oppose them.

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What they’re saying

“When they say faculty aren't allowed to advocate for something, what we read that as is, they aren't allowed to mention it.”

— An academic adviser

“I think our most important job as college educators is to teach people to be comfortable with uncertainty and to confront ideas that are challenging or uncomfortable. If we're not allowed to do that, if we're muzzled in that way, then we can't actually give our students a full education.”

— Will Crescioni, Lecturer

“If this is the first step, how much further are you going to go in step two?”

— Zoe Wittekiend, Student senator

What’s next

The Texas Tech University System's Board of Regents, appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, is scheduled to meet in late February to review any course materials that administrators have recommended keeping despite the new restrictions.

The takeaway

The new restrictions at Texas Tech have created significant uncertainty and disruption, with faculty unsure of where the boundaries lie and students frustrated that they are unable to learn the material they expected. This highlights the broader tensions over the role of ideology in higher education and the potential impacts on academic freedom and the quality of education.