Texas Christian University (TCU) announced it will shut down its Department of Women and Gender Studies and the Department of Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies by the end of the academic year. Some courses from both programs will remain but move under the Department of English. TCU leadership framed the decision as part of a broader academic restructuring rather than a politically driven move.
University Cites Strategic Realignment, Not Politics
A university spokesperson said TCU regularly evaluates department structures to align with student interest and faculty resources. The statement emphasized growing demand in other academic areas. “We need more faculty and staff in areas of strong academic demand, not less,” the university stated. A source close to the institution warned against attributing the decision to outside political forces, stressing that “university decisions are not influenced by external pressure.”
Political Climate Raises Questions
Despite TCU’s denial of political influence, the closure comes amid national scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Trump administration has targeted such programs, labeling them as radical and threatening to conservative values. In April, TCU also closed its Office of Diversity and Inclusion and removed DEI and LGBTQ-related resources from its website, though it retained its Center for Connected Culture.
Trump’s Push for Higher Education Reform
Former President Trump’s push to reshape academia includes proposing a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” Universities signing the compact would gain priority for federal funding by removing race, gender, and ethnicity from admissions considerations and dismantling departments accused of suppressing conservative views. Seven of the nine universities approached have declined to sign. Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas at Austin remain undecided.
Concerns from Both Supporters and Critics
Supporters of the closure argue it reflects a pragmatic reallocation of resources. They believe academic departments should evolve with demand. Detractors, however, fear it signals a retreat from institutional commitments to diversity and inclusion. Many view the shift as part of a broader national trend to marginalize race and gender-focused scholarship.
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TCU to close departments dedicated to women, gender and race studies
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