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Texas Governor Targets Universities Over Leftist Ideologies

10/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized universities for promoting leftist ideologies after the University of Texas at Austin removed psychology professor Art Markman, citing ideological differences.
The move comes as Texas laws shift academic governance to political appointees and spur firings over political beliefs.
Faculty worry about potential department eliminations, especially in ethnic studies.
Firings at Texas A&M and Texas State University have spurred debates on free speech, with legal actions underway.

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Story summary

Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized universities for promoting leftist ideologies after the University of Texas at Austin removed psychology professor Art Markman, citing ideological differences.
The move comes as Texas laws shift academic governance to political appointees and spur firings over political beliefs.
Faculty worry about potential department eliminations, especially in ethnic studies.
Firings at Texas A&M and Texas State University have spurred debates on free speech, with legal actions underway.