Gov. Greg Abbott Encourages Professors Removals Over “Ideological Differences”

Through an X post, Governor Greg Abbott announced the removal of a University of Texas professor from an administrative position, and declared Texas is targeting professors with “leftist ideologies”.

Abbott posted an Axios article about the dismissal of Art Markman, a tenured psychology professor, from his administrative role over “ideological differences”.

“We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education,” Abbott wrote.

In a LinkedIn, Markman reflected about being dismissed from his academic administration role after 27 years at the University of Texas. 

“The leadership at the University of Texas dismissed me from my academic administration role due to ideological differences,” Markman said, although he’s still a professor in the institution. 

This development follows the dismissal of a Texas A&M University professor after facing criticism from conservative groups over a lesson including gender identity topics. In the wake of the controversy, university president Mark A. Welsh III announced his resignation. And the Texas Tech University System announced new policies to avoid discussing transgender identities.

These actions come amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to exert greater influence over higher education, particularly in challenging what it views as left-leaning ideology on college campuses.

“We welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it,” Kevin P. Eltife, U.T. System Board of Regents Chairman, said in a statement early October.