The president of Texas A&M University has resigned after making a controversial hiring that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, according to the university’s press release.
M. Katherine Banks, president of Texas A&M, announced Thursday that she is stepping down following backlash over her attempted hiring of Dr. Kathleen McElroy, a former New York Times reporter and advocate of the DEI practice. according to to the New York Times. The undergraduate Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution creating a fact-finding commission to investigate the hiring process. according to to college. (Related: Exclusive: Republican Senators Submit Bill to Ban Higher Education Accrediting Agencies from Considering ‘Diversity’ Initiatives)
preliminary report: @tamu President M. Katherine Banks resigns in aftermath of failure to hire journalism professor.https://t.co/qozRQBP3pZ
— Kate Maggie Barazia (@McGeeReports) July 21, 2023
Critics lashed out at McElroy, who had been courted to lead the school’s journalism program after conservative media reported she was a rebel. strong Proponent of DEI measures. The news sparked controversy within the university system, resulting in confusion about her hiring process.
“Increasing diversity in higher education seems difficult because of racism across basic American institutions, including education and journalism, my area of expertise,” McElroy said. I have written In an opinion piece in the Daily Texan.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve at this wonderful university.
Banks claimed that McElroy was a victim of “‘anti-arousal’ hysteria and outside interference” during McElroy’s hiring process, which included negotiations over salary and tenure at the university and lasted several months. She also claimed she was unaware of the change in her hiring process, according to the university, which she said caused her resignation.
Universities in Texas are now in the process of closing their DEI offices, following the recent move by Texas Republican Greg Abbott.of law We prohibit activities that promote one group of individuals over another based on race, gender, or ethnicity.
“I feel damaged by this whole process,” McElroy said. Said Texas Tribune.
The Daily Caller News Foundation could not reach McElroy for comment.
The bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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