Texas Tech University students will have fewer courses focused on race, gender, social justice and culture available to satisfy graduation requirements after the university system's Board of Regents approved changes to its core curriculum Wednesday.
The decision removes 21 courses from Texas Tech's approved core curriculum, leaving students with 151 options. The changes are part of a broader review of graduation requirements across the Texas Tech University System, prompted by a state law passed in 2025.
According to a comparison conducted by The Texas Tribune, the courses removed from Texas Tech's core curriculum include a literature class examining social justice and environmental issues, a women's and gender studies course addressing race, class and gender, and a course exploring the Holocaust through literature and film.
The changes do not necessarily mean those classes will disappear from the university altogether. Courses removed from the core curriculum may still be available as electives or as requirements for specific majors and minors.
Regent Shelley Sweatt explained during Wednesday's meeting that faculty committees and university administrators began reviewing core courses in May to comply with the new state law.
The review considered whether courses provided students with a broad educational foundation, prepared them for employment and civic responsibilities, and remained regularly offered by their universities.
The chancellor's office subsequently examined the proposed changes before presenting them to regents for approval.
One notable detail involves Texas Tech's introductory women's studies course. The newly approved core curriculum includes a class titled Introduction to Women's Studies, while the current academic year's offerings include Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies.
It remains unclear whether the university changed the course's name, modified its curriculum or replaced it with another class.
The regents also approved curriculum changes at two other universities within the system.
Angelo State University will remove 15 courses from its core curriculum, leaving 102 approved courses. Midwestern State University will eliminate 13 courses, bringing its approved offerings to 94.
The changes will take effect in fall 2027. Students will still be required to complete 42 credit hours of core coursework to graduate.
New State Law Drives Curriculum Review
The curriculum review stems from legislation authored by Brandon Creighton, who served as a Republican state senator before becoming chancellor of the Texas Tech University System in November 2025.
The law requires university governing boards to review required graduation courses at least once every five years and certify compliance by January 1.
Supporters of the legislation maintained that additional oversight would help ensure students receive an education that prepares them for professional and civic responsibilities without advancing particular political viewpoints.
Opponents warned that the law could open the door to political interference in academic decisions traditionally made by faculty members and university administrators.
Although the legislation requires regular reviews, it does not specifically direct universities to eliminate courses addressing race, gender, sexual orientation or other subjects.
However, Creighton has separately implemented restrictions involving those topics since becoming chancellor.
In April, Creighton and the regents directed university administrators to phase out degree programs centered on sexual orientation and gender identity. They also prohibited instruction on those subjects in general education and introductory undergraduate courses, with limited exceptions.
Those restrictions have generated legal challenges.
The Texas chapter and national organization of the American Association of University Professors have filed a lawsuit against Creighton and the regents, arguing that the policies violate professors' constitutional rights.
Political Changes Could Bring Another Review
The curriculum changes come as Texas prepares for a major shift in state government following Democrats' sweeping victories in last week's elections.
Democrats won the governor's office, lieutenant governor's office and control of the Texas House, creating opportunities to reconsider higher education policies adopted under Republican leadership.
Those policies include the 2025 curriculum review law and restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs at public colleges and universities.
Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa will also have an opportunity to reshape the Texas Tech Board of Regents.
The terms of Board Chair Cody Campbell and Regent Arcilia Acosta expire January 31, while another position is already vacant.
That means Hinojosa could appoint three members to the nine-member board early in her administration, subject to confirmation by the Texas Senate.
Whether those appointments eventually lead to changes in university policies remains uncertain.
Texas Tech is not alone in revising its core curriculum.
Texas A&M University System regents previously removed 78 courses from the approved core curriculum at the system's flagship campus in College Station.
University of Houston regents eliminated 97 courses from their flagship institution's approved core offerings.
Both universities removed courses addressing LGBTQ-related subjects.
Meanwhile, a statewide advisory committee established under the 2025 law has been examining potential changes to general education requirements across Texas public colleges and universities.
Those recommendations include consideration of whether students should be required to complete fewer general education courses.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is scheduled to review the recommendations Monday and consider forwarding them to lawmakers ahead of the legislative session beginning in January.
Texas Tech Students Consider Response
Students at Texas Tech are also weighing how to respond to the university system's restrictions.
According to The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech's student newspaper, the university's Student Senate voted November 5 to survey students about Creighton's policies.
The decision followed hours of debate over whether student government should become involved and whether a survey could be conducted without political bias.
Before the survey can be distributed, senators must approve its questions.
The survey would be available to the university's approximately 45,000 students, but at least 6,000 responses must be collected before the results can be used to guide future Student Senate decisions concerning the restrictions.
For now, the regents' decision establishes a smaller selection of courses that Texas Tech students can use to complete their core graduation requirements beginning in fall 2027.
