“White” Is NOT A Race!

NEW: In a letter, Texas A&M faculty leaders condemn the university’s administration for its role in failed contract negotiations with renowned journalist, Kathleen McElroy. In response, A&M said it is committed to keeping “a premier institution.” https://t.co/xqpTWWcWwV

— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) July 14, 2023

McElroy’s hiring came under public scrutiny after the conservative website Texas Scorecard wrote a piece on McElroy’s work at UT-Austin regarding diversity, equity and inclusion and her research on race, labeling her a “DEI proponent.” 

That website is the reporting arm of Empower Texans, a Tea Party-aligned group formed with millions in oil money. The organization holds huge sway over Texas Republican leaders. 

And at least one known alumni association publicly acknowledged its concern over McElroy’s potential hiring. 

The Rudder Association, an alumni network at Texas A&M, released a letter Friday that clarified the concerns it had with the potential hiring of McElroy. 

“Upon learning of Dr. McElroy’s selection, TRA did express concerns to the administration, as did many others,” the letter stated. “TRA believes that a department head should embrace the egalitarian and merit-based traditions that characterize Texas A&M’s values rather than the divisive ideology of identity politics.”

“Until non-white people learn to become white, we white people will always have to fight this problem.”