On the social media platform X, a State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-10) revealed that after he posted a series of social media posts claiming Texas A&M was supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, President Mark A. Welsh III authored and sent an official letter to him saying his comments are “routinely inaccurate and misleading.” In response, Harrison said he has asked the federal government to investigate the university over alleged “discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion practices and programs.”
A&M is currently compliant with Senate Bill 17, the state’s anti-DEI law, and the institution received no violations from a DEI-related state audit earlier this year.
“I’m always ready to make corrections when I’m wrong, but I won’t stand by when I see inaccuracies about our institution spreading quickly,” Welsh wrote in the letter, which is dated Feb. 26.
It’s unclear why the representative waited three months to post the letter.
“I’m disappointed that after direct outreach from me months ago with the offer to speak with Representative Harrison about his concerns, instead of a direct response, he sent a letter to the federal government and posted more misleading information on social media,” Welsh said in a statement released Friday evening. “I stand by everything I said in the letter and remain ready to help Representative Harrison improve higher education for the citizens of Texas.”
Throughout the letter, Welsh refuted Harrison’s claims that A&M is breaking state law before ultimately requesting that he meet with the president directly.
Harrison has previously campaigned against the university’s LGBTQ+ studies minor, which was removed from the curriculum in November last year after the Board of Regents intervened. Harrison’s email to Sean Keveney, acting general counsel of Health and Human Services, which Harrison posted on X, has Welsh’s letter attached. In a separate letter, Harrison pushed back against the president.
“I fear that the Texas government may be one of the largest funders of DEI in America,” Harrison wrote. “ … His preposterous defense of this egregious discrimination is that the Texas legislature has not explicitly banned it. I have legislation to do so, but universities should not have to be told by the legislature to not engage in discrimination.”
Vikram • May 6, 2025 at 9:59 pm
very telling that these lawmakers want “diversity of thought” on college campuses but draw the line at.. diversifying the topics we can study?
Evan • May 6, 2025 at 7:58 pm
Just because we passed a state audit doesn’t mean the figureheads are not quietly pushing DEI agendas. We need real transparency, not PR letters from university presidents.
– A concerned student.
John Elmquist • May 8, 2025 at 10:25 am
An institution of higher learning, FOR ALL, is to be open for discussions and ideas of any and all political and theoretical thoughts. It is only by listening to each other, that we can understand ourselves and others.
I respect our A&M President Welsh; he has the job and ability to help you and others to appreciate the vast knowledge that we have before us.
A native of College Station and family of former students and faculty members.