College Station, Texas — A former Texas A&M University professor has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was wrongfully fired after political pressure mounted over a classroom lesson that touched on gender identity. Melissa McCoul, a senior lecturer in the English department with more than a decade of teaching experience, sued the university Wednesday in federal court in Houston, claiming violations of her constitutional rights to free speech and due process.
McCoul was terminated last year after a video circulated showing a student objecting to a children’s literature discussion on gender identity, questioning whether the lesson complied with an executive order issued by President Trump. The video drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who publicly called for her dismissal. The controversy also intensified scrutiny of then-university president Mark Welsh, who later resigned without citing the incident.
According to the lawsuit, Texas A&M upheld McCoul’s firing despite two independent university panels concluding the school violated her due process rights and lacked sufficient cause to terminate her. McCoul argues that her course content aligned with the official catalog description and that shifting explanations for her dismissal were inconsistent and unfounded. The suit alleges she was removed because administrators objected to what were characterized as “liberal” or “woke” themes.
University officials said they are aware of the lawsuit but declined further comment due to pending litigation. McCoul is seeking reinstatement and monetary damages, saying she hopes the case prompts the university to reconsider how similar situations are handled.
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