Controversy Erupts at Texas A&M Over Journalism Director Appointment and Contract Changes

Kathleen McElroy, the newly appointed director of the journalism program at Texas A&M University, faced political pushback and controversy over her appointment. After being celebrated initially, McElroy, a Black woman with a background at The New York Times, was informed by the university's interim dean of liberal arts that her appointment had stirred up opposition. Within weeks, the terms of her employment were revised, offering her a one-year contract instead of the expected five-year deal. The controversy highlights the increasing influence of politics on faculty hiring decisions in universities.