Texas A&M President Resigns Amid Controversy Over Failed Journalism Professor Hire

Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks has resigned following controversy over the failed hiring of a journalism professor. The university had announced the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a journalist and professor, but later changed the terms of her proposed employment. McElroy, who is Black, believes her hiring was affected by backlash due to her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. A state law banning such programs in public universities is set to go into effect next year. The university is launching an investigation into the failed hire, and the Faculty Senate has formed a fact-finding committee. McElroy intends to remain a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.