Texas Tech University System – Directive to Recognize Only Two Sexes

Summary

On September 24, 2025, Texas Tech University System Chancellor Tedd Mitchell issued a directive instructing faculty across the system’s five universities to “recognize only two sexes” in classrooms and academic materials. The announcement cited compliance with a new Texas law defining sex as strictly male or female and Governor Greg Abbott’s earlier guidance rejecting “woke gender ideologies.” Mitchell asked campus presidents to review syllabi, curricula, and training programs to ensure alignment with these standards. The order applied to all institutions within the system, and represented one of the first systemwide efforts in Texas higher education to regulate how gender identity may be discussed.

Faculty members said confusion began almost immediately after the directive was released. Instructors in fields such as health sciences, education, and social work reported being told, sometimes verbally rather than in writing, to avoid or remove terms including “transgender,” “nonbinary,” and “DEI” from lectures and materials. Professors at the Health Sciences Center said simulated patient exercises involving transgender individuals were flagged for revision. Others said the absence of formal written guidance left them uncertain about what content was still permitted and worried that inconsistent enforcement could lead to self-censorship.

On September 30, the provost’s office posted a frequently asked questions document intended to clarify the policy. The FAQ stated that textbook-based or historical discussions of gender identity could remain but warned against including pronoun policies, allyship statements, or personal viewpoints in course syllabi. It cautioned that language perceived as promoting a political or social agenda could be considered out of compliance. Within days, however, the document was taken down, with officials describing it as a draft still under review. Faculty said the removal only deepened confusion and created a chilling effect on speech across campuses.

The directive and its aftermath drew criticism from faculty organizations, LGBTQ+ advocates, and academic freedom groups. The Texas Conference of the American Association of University Professors said the measure blurred the line between state politics and classroom autonomy. Texas Tech officials maintained that the system was acting in accordance with state law and federal guidance. By early October, faculty continued to await definitive instructions as administrators collected questions from campuses to send to legal counsel, leaving the policy’s scope and enforcement unresolved.