Texas A&M University has decided to discontinue its women’s and gender studies certificate. This announcement was made public on Friday, and it has been positively received by some education advocates.
Sarah Parshall Perry, the vice president and legal fellow at Defending Education, expressed her approval, stating that Texas A&M’s decision is a step that all higher education institutions should follow. She mentioned that, in a thorough examination, the university reviewed over 5,400 course syllabuses to ensure that the degrees offered are genuinely valuable and do not promote racism or sexism. Interestingly, after this review, only six courses were removed, which is just a fraction—0.11%—of the entire course offerings at the university. Perry noted that this process stands as a model for other universities aiming for quality and transparency in their degree programs.
The announcement about the elimination of the certificate was part of a broader review conducted during the spring semester. This review aimed to ensure compliance with university policies, and it was noted that student interest in the program has declined over the years. The university detailed that the courses canceled included one from the Bush Graduate School of Government and Civil Service, two from the College of Humanities and Sciences, two from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and one from the College of Education and Human Development. Importantly, it was stated that these cancellations would not hinder students from graduating as planned.
Interim Chancellor Tommy Williams commented that this decision reflects a commitment to maintaining academic standards and public trust. He emphasized that Texas A&M has a long-standing tradition of leadership in higher education and that ensuring the integrity of degrees is crucial for both students and employers.
Experts like Jonathan Butcher from the Education Policy Center also supported the change, suggesting that it reinforces the rigor of higher education. He articulated that it is appropriate for institutions like Texas A&M to discontinue programs that, in his view, do not serve students genuinely seeking knowledge.
Tim Eaton, an assistant vice president at Texas A&M, clarified that the decision was due to a combination of new system policies and a noted lack of student interest in the program over the years. He added that, while there won’t be new majors or certificates in this area, current students will still have the opportunity to complete their degrees.
