Tension in Political Atmosphere Leads to Desire for Departure Among Texas Professors, According to Survey
Texas Faculty Express Concerns and Desire to Leave Over Political Climate
A survey conducted by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has revealed that a significant number of faculty members in Texas are considering leaving their positions due to the state's political climate.
The survey, which included responses from over 1,100 faculty members in Texas, found that the state's broad political climate was the top reason faculty cited for wanting to change jobs. Over half of the Texas respondents are tenured at their institution, yet about a quarter have applied for higher education jobs in other states in the last two years.
The survey also found that approximately 15% of Texas university professors have sought a job in another state in the past two years, with more than 25% of the Texas professors interviewed soon intending to start searching for out-of-state positions.
One of the key concerns for Texas faculty is their academic freedom. The survey found that faculty members have concerns about this freedom, with many criticizing new state laws banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in universities.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spearheaded an effort two years ago to limit tenure at public universities in Texas, which opponents argued would cause a brain drain in Texas. This move, along with laws banning DEI initiatives in higher education, has been a source of contention for faculty members.
The survey reached out to faculty from other southern states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Among these states, Texas had the highest percentage of respondents who said they wouldn't encourage graduate students or colleagues to seek employment in their state.
Matthew Boedy, the president of Georgia's AAUP chapter, stated that many faculty in Texas don't want to put up with the state's perceived anti-higher education political climate.
In addition to political concerns, the survey also highlighted the impact of funding cuts. Federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, have limited and cut funding to research at many universities, potentially costing Texas universities hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds. However, a federal judge recently blocked a policy change at the National Institutes of Health that threatened to cost Texas universities these funds.
Moreover, state legislators have introduced more than 70 bills across 26 states that "censor" higher education in one form or another, according to an analysis by PEN America.
The survey also found that about one in 10 Texas faculty said their contracts were cut by the Trump administration. Over one-fifth of the Texas professors who aren't thinking of leaving higher education don't plan to stay in the long-term.
Another worrying trend is the disbanding of faculty senates in public university systems in Texas. Senate Bill 3, passed by state lawmakers, gave more control over academic decisions to Texas university systems' regents, who are appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott. As a result, many public university systems in Texas have disbanded their faculty senates.
This exodus of faculty members could have significant implications for the quality of education and research in Texas. It remains to be seen how the state will address these concerns and retain its faculty members.
