Texas A&M University has dismissed multiple faculty members following viral footage showing a student being told to leave class after objecting to transgender ideology.
University President Mark Welsh announced the removal of a dean and department head Monday, and by Tuesday the professor involved was also terminated.
The Viral Exchange
The video, shared by Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison, captured a student challenging Dr. Melissa McCoul.
🚨CAUGHT ON TAPE: TEXAS A&M STUDENT KICKED OUT OF CLASS AFTER OBJECTING TO TRANSGENDER INDOCTRINATION… and A&M President defends “LGBTQ Studies.”
I’m referring @TAMU to the Trump Administration for investigation… and asking Gov @GregAbbott_TX to fire the A&M officials… pic.twitter.com/J6IWsfw62I
— Brian Harrison (@brianeharrison) September 8, 2025
The student argued that course materials on gender theory violated Trump administration executive orders.
“This also goes against, not only myself, but a lot of people’s religious beliefs,” the student said.
Melissa McCoul
McCoul dismissed the objection and told the student: “It’s time for you to leave.”
The footage quickly spread across social media, drawing national attention.
Harrison called it an example of “taxpayer abuse” and “transgender indoctrination.”
University Response
President Welsh released a statement hours later.
He confirmed the dean and department head were removed from their roles.
Mark Welsh
He said faculty approved “course content not consistent with the published description.”
NBC News reported Tuesday that McCoul herself was also fired.
Her lawyer, Amanda Reichek, said McCoul refused to alter her syllabus.
She argued the dismissal violated her constitutional rights and academic freedom.
Reichek confirmed McCoul is appealing the decision.
She also said her client is considering legal action.
“This course had been taught for years without challenge,” Reichek said.
Federal Attention
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon responded to the video Monday.
She called the incident “deeply concerning” and pledged a review.
Dhillon said her Civil Rights Division would “look into this.”
Rep. Harrison praised the decision to remove the faculty members.
Brian Harrison
He said the professor was “engaged in transgender indoctrination.”
He urged state and federal leaders to act against such programs.
Trump’s Order
President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order on gender in 2025.
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” the order read.
“These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in reality.”
