A professor at Texas A&M University has been instructed to remove writings from the ancient Greek philosopher Plato from an introductory philosophy course. The directive is a result of a new university system policy that prohibits the “advocacy” of topics related to race, gender, or sexual orientation in core curriculum classes.
Dr. Martin Peterson, a professor in the Department of Philosophy, was informed via email that certain Platonic texts and course modules on race and gender were no longer permissible. The decision has ignited a debate on campus about academic freedom and the interpretation of the new regulations.
Key Takeaways
- A Texas A&M professor was told to remove specific Plato readings from a core philosophy course.
- The directive stems from a new Texas A&M System rule banning “advocacy” on race, gender, and sexuality in core classes.
- Professor Martin Peterson argues the decision is a “clear violation of academic freedom” and is considering legal action.
- The prohibited texts discuss concepts of multiple sexes and positive views on homosexuality.
A New Policy and Its First Test
The controversy began after the Texas A&M Board of Regents passed a rule in November banning the advocacy of certain topics in the classroom without presidential approval. By mid-December, the policy was refined to specifically prohibit such advocacy in all core curriculum courses.
Professor Peterson teaches PHIL 111, “Contemporary Moral Issues,” a course that fulfills a core requirement for students. He submitted his syllabus for review on December 22, which included modules on race and gender ideology and a lecture on sexual morality. These topics are standard in similar ethics courses nationwide.
The specific texts by Plato that were flagged include Aristophanes’ myth of the split humans and Diotima’s Ladder of Love. According to Peterson, these passages explore the idea of more than two biological sexes and present a positive perspective on homosexuality.
Understanding the Core Curriculum
Core curriculum courses are foundational classes that all undergraduate students are required to take, regardless of their major. These courses are designed to provide a broad educational base in areas like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The new Texas A&M policy specifically targets these mandatory classes, affecting a wide range of students.
Peterson stated he has included these topics for years in his course, which serves approximately 270 students each semester. He maintains that his role is not to tell students what to think, but to teach them how to construct and analyze arguments on complex moral issues.
The University's Directive
On January 6, Peterson received an email from Kristi Sweet, the head of the philosophy department. The email, which followed discussions with college leadership, presented him with an ultimatum: either switch to teaching an upper-level course on engineering ethics or remove the modules on race and gender, along with the related Plato readings, from his syllabus.
The directive has been characterized by Peterson as an act of censorship. “Plato has been censored,” he stated, speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the university.
“My personal opinion is this is a clear violation of academic freedom,” Peterson said. He also serves as the chair of the campus’s committee on academic freedom, a principle that generally protects a professor's right to teach and research relevant topics within their field of expertise.
The course syllabus for “Contemporary Moral Issues” also covers other widely debated topics, including abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and climate ethics. The sections on race and gender were the only ones ordered to be removed.
Academic Freedom vs. System Policy
The conflict places the university's commitment to academic freedom in direct opposition to the Board of Regents' new policy. In his communications with the department, Peterson cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent that identifies academic freedom as a “special concern” of the First Amendment.
“If you interpret (the system’s rule) as prohibiting these topics, I would like to remind you that the U.S. Constitution protects my course content,” Peterson wrote in a December 22 email to his department head. “Texas A&M is a public institution bound by the First Amendment.”
Plato's Enduring Legacy
Plato, who lived in the 4th century BCE, is a foundational figure in Western philosophy. He founded the Academy in Athens, which is considered the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. His writings have been central to university curricula for centuries.
Peterson expressed deep concern about the implications of the university's directive, suggesting it undermines the institution's intellectual credibility.
“A university that forces philosophy professors to remove texts by Plato from their syllabi is not a serious university,” he wrote in a statement. “It reduces itself to a political propaganda institution, just like philosophy departments in the Soviet Union.”
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This incident at Texas A&M is part of a larger trend of legislative and policy actions across the country aimed at regulating how topics of race, gender, and identity are taught in public universities. Critics argue these policies stifle critical thinking and open inquiry, while proponents contend they prevent the promotion of specific ideologies.
Peterson has indicated he is consulting with legal counsel and is considering litigation to challenge the directive. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how academic freedom is interpreted under the new policies within the Texas A&M System and potentially at other public universities facing similar rules.
For now, the syllabus for PHIL 111 remains in question as the spring semester begins. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between institutional governance and the long-standing principles of academic inquiry in higher education. The university and the Texas A&M System have not yet publicly commented on the matter.
