Professors weigh leaving Texas amid political climate, new DEI restrictions

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A survey by the American Association of University Professors shows many educators in Texas are considering moving to other states, citing an increasingly volatile political climate.

That shift is creating uncertainty on college campuses across the state — including at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where some faculty say they are already preparing for change.

“There’s a number of professors that are now looking to say, ‘OK, well maybe I don’t want to come here,’” said Travis Braidwood, an associate professor of political science at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

The state’s strict diversity, equity and inclusion regulations have moved to the forefront in higher education — a lesson professors say they are learning firsthand.

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