The Controversy Surrounding the Hiring of Kathleen McElroy at Texas A&M University: Challenges in Promoting Diversity and the Need for Fair Hiring Practices
Texas A&M University recently made headlines with the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a renowned journalist and former director of the University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism.[0] McElroy's appointment was celebrated by students and faculty alike, as she brought with her an impressive resume, including 20 years of experience at the New York Times.[0]
However, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment as the deal fell apart due to backlash from certain members of the Texas A&M system. Concerns were raised about McElroy's experience at the New York Times and her work on race and diversity in newsrooms. This controversy ultimately led to the resignation of Texas A&M's president, M. Katherine Banks.[1]
In her resignation letter, Banks cited the negative press surrounding McElroy as a distraction from the university's work. The situation also prompted the Texas A&M Faculty Senate to pass a resolution creating a fact-finding committee to investigate the mishandling of McElroy's hiring.[2]
One administrator at Texas A&M acknowledged that the scrutiny of McElroy's hiring was at least partially based on her race, which is illegal.[3] Tracy Hammond, the speaker for the Texas A&M Faculty Senate, wrote a letter decrying the appearance of outside influence in the hiring and promotion of faculty.[4]
Following Banks' resignation, Mark A. Welsh III, the dean of A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service and a retired Air Force general, was named acting president.[5] Welsh will serve until a permanent replacement is found.
The controversy surrounding McElroy's hiring highlights the challenges faced by universities in promoting diversity and inclusion. It also raises questions about the role of outside influence in faculty hiring decisions.[6] The fact-finding committee created by the Faculty Senate will hopefully shed light on the mishandling of the situation and provide recommendations for improvement.
McElroy herself expressed feeling “damaged” by the controversy and believed that she was being judged based on her race and gender.[7] The changing details of her job offer, from a tenure-eligible position to a one-year professor of practice appointment, further added to the turmoil.[4]
The fallout from McElroy's failed hiring serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and fair hiring practices in academia. Universities must strive to create an environment where all qualified candidates, regardless of their race or gender, are given equal opportunities.
Moving forward, Texas A&M will need to address the concerns raised by faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The university's leadership will also need to work towards rebuilding trust and ensuring that future hiring processes are conducted with integrity and fairness.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the hiring of Kathleen McElroy at Texas A&M University has shed light on the challenges universities face in promoting diversity and inclusion. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fair hiring practices and the need for transparency in academia. Only through open dialogue and a commitment to change can universities ensure that all qualified candidates are given equal opportunities.
0. “Texas A&M President Resigns After Botched Recruitment of Black Journalism Professor” Jezebel, 21 Jul. 2023, https://jezebel.com/texas-a-m-president-resigns-after-botched-recruitment-o-1850664062
1. “Texas A&M president resigns after conservative pushback on plans to hire Black editor” UPI News, 21 Jul. 2023, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/07/21/texas-am-president-resigns-black-editor/5451689962629
2. “TEXAS A&M PRESIDENT KATHERINE BANKS RESIGNS” KWHI, 21 Jul. 2023, https://kwhi.com/2023/07/21/texas-am-president-katherine-banks-resigns/
3. “Texas A&M president resigns in fallout from botched hiring of UT journalism professor” Austin American-Statesman, 21 Jul. 2023, https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2023/07/21/texas-am-president-resigns-after-botched-hiring-of-ut-professor/70444023007/
4. “Texas A&M president retires after fallout over journalist as professor” NPR, 21 Jul. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/07/21/1189283946/texas-am-president-retires-fallout-black-journalist-hiring
5. “Texas A&M president Katherine Banks resigns” The Texas Tribune, 21 Jul. 2023, https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/21/tamu-president-resign-journalism
6. “Texas A&M President Kathy Banks To Retire Immediately” Texas A&M University Today, 21 Jul. 2023, https://today.tamu.edu/2023/07/21/texas-am-president-kathy-banks-to-retire-immediately/
7. “Texas A&M president Katherine Banks leaves over hiring backlash” BBC, 21 Jul. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66275350
