University of Texas Professor Dismissed Over Ideological Dispute
Governor Greg Abbott announced on Sunday that a professor at the University of Texas at Austin was removed from his administrative position due to “ideological differences.” Art Markman, a professor of psychology and marketing, reported that he was dismissed from his role as senior vice provost for academic affairs in September 2023. Markman, who has been with the university for 27 years, expressed his situation in a post on LinkedIn, stating, “The leadership at the University of Texas dismissed me from my academic administration role due to ideological differences.”
Markman played a significant role in establishing the university’s Human Dimensions of Organizations program and is known for cohosting the “2 Guys on Your Head” podcast on KUT. While the university’s website still lists him as a faculty member, it no longer designates him as part of the administrative staff, a position he had held since 2021.
Appointment of Interim Provost
Following Markman’s dismissal, the university appointed Juan Dominguez, a professor of psychology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, as the interim senior vice provost for academic affairs. Markman did not provide additional details regarding the specific “ideological differences” that led to his removal, and neither did Abbott, who took to social media to comment on the situation.
In his post, Abbott emphasized a perceived trend in academia, writing, “Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation. We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education.” This statement reflects a broader conversation about the political climate in education and concerns regarding academic freedom.
The dismissal comes at a time when the University of Texas is considering alignment with demands from the Trump administration, which may involve conditions for federal funding preferences. Faculty leaders have voiced concerns that such a “compact” could negatively impact academic freedom and free speech within the institution.
KVUE, a local news outlet, has reached out to the university for further clarification on the circumstances surrounding Markman’s dismissal and the implications of the recent developments for the university community.
