Story perspectives

Former Professor's Controversial Teachings Spark Protests and Settlement

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Thomas K. Hubbard, a former University of Texas professor, requested $10,000–$20,000 from Jeffrey Epstein's foundation in 2015 to fund a conference on sexual consent and rape.
Epstein's foundation did not contribute.
Students protested Hubbard's teachings on adult male relationships with minors, labeling them as promoting pedophilia.
A committee found Hubbard's curriculum protected by academic freedom but recommended he take a trauma-sensitivity course.
In 2021, Hubbard received a $700,000 settlement from the university.

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Story summary

Thomas K. Hubbard, a former University of Texas professor, requested $10,000–$20,000 from Jeffrey Epstein's foundation in 2015 to fund a conference on sexual consent and rape.
Epstein's foundation did not contribute.
Students protested Hubbard's teachings on adult male relationships with minors, labeling them as promoting pedophilia.
A committee found Hubbard's curriculum protected by academic freedom but recommended he take a trauma-sensitivity course.
In 2021, Hubbard received a $700,000 settlement from the university.