Texas A&M University reached a $1 million settlement in the lawsuit filed by a progressive Black professor the college failed to hire with tenure after receiving objections from conservatives.
Kathleen McElroy and Texas A&M announced the settlement on Aug. 3.
The New York Times reports that Texas A&M admitted to hiring McElroy to lead their journalism program at the university but sought to delay her start date and changed her contract following complaints from Republicans in the state about the professor.
An investigation by Texas A&M’s Office of General Counsel found that Senior Vice President Susan Ballabina and department head Hart Blanton noted their concerns following McElroy’s job offer.
“Regarding the McElroy recruitment, in early May 2023, Ballabina received word that
McElroy was going to be hired to lead the journalism program and that there were plans
for a public announcement,” read the report. “In a weekly meeting with Banks, Ballabina shared this news and indicated there would likely be significant media coverage.”
After Ballabina stated that she wanted the announcement of McElroy’s hiring to be held until after the adjournment of the state legislative session, Blanton replied that the university could receive negative coverage “if we ask a famous Black journalist not to share her exciting decision with the world.”
The news was delayed, but Texas A&M told the professor that the reason was due to the administrative process. A public announcement was made on June 13 featuring McElroy and Texas A&M administrators posing with balloons.
The Texas Tribune noted that several many Board of Regents members revealed concerns in emails and texts about the professor’s journalism program.
“Please tell me this isn’t true,” wrote Regent Jay Graham to Banks and Chancellor John Sharp. “But since it’s not April Fools Day, I assume it is. I thought the purpose of us starting a journalism program was to…
Read the full article here