1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Representative Brian Harrison’s threat to defund the University of Texas over its LGBTQ+ and gender studies programs is outrageous and unconstitutional. Academic freedom is a core value in higher education and a cornerstone of democracy. Politicians should not weaponize public funding to control what students can learn or silence the study of marginalized communities. LGBTQ+ studies and gender studies are legitimate, rigorous academic disciplines rooted in decades of scholarship. They help students understand identity, history, public health, civil rights, and social dynamics—critical for a diverse, global society. Eliminating these programs would set a dangerous precedent and deprive students of a well-rounded education. According to the American Association of University Professors, academic freedom is essential for the pursuit of knowledge and must be protected from political interference (AAUP, 2024). This kind of censorship mirrors what we’ve seen in authoritarian regimes, where governments seek to erase inconvenient truths and silence minority voices. It’s especially chilling that these threats come at a time when LGBTQ+ youth face rising mental health challenges and violence. According to The Trevor Project, more than 40% of LGBTQ+ youth in Texas seriously considered suicide in the past year (Trevor Project, 2024). Erasing their existence from the curriculum won’t protect them—it will make their lives even harder. I urge you to reject Rep. Harrison’s threats and take a public stand in defense of academic freedom and inclusion. Texas students deserve access to a broad and honest education, free from political intimidation. Stand for education, stand for truth, and stand against government censorship.