u/Trans__Scientist

I recently received an email from Texas A&M President Susan Ballabina (sent to all former students) extolling the University, sharing excitement for the start of a new school year, and advertising the University vision for the future. Here is my response. I anticipate that it won't be read by her or any other human eyes clad in maroon and white, so I'm sharing it with you.

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Dear Dr. Ballabina,

I graduated from Texas A&M University in [redacted] (B.S.), [redacted] (M.S.), and [redacted] (Ph.D.) before embarking on my exciting career as a research scientist, first at [redacted] Laboratory and now at [redacted]. Your message here is severely undercut by the reality of Texas A&M’s current policies which are seemingly contradictory.

The Texas A&M University System has adopted broad restrictions prohibiting courses from “advocating or discussing topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity” (https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/13/texas-am-regents-race-gender-ideology-course-audit/ , https://apnews.com/article/texas-university-lawsuit-teaching-restrictions-race-gender-0406f8f60810fb173a5d1bce7cc9e90e , https://www.chronicle.com/article/what-are-we-even-doing-here-new-lawsuit-challenges-ban-on-race-and-gender-topics-at-texas-a-m). Somehow, those policies are still enforced today. Preventing students from learning about the observable realities of the world we live in is wrong on so many levels. Developing a better understanding of what’s happening and why isn’t a threat, and banning such studies is contrary to the objectives of any educational institution. Claiming that LGBTQ people are promoting any type of “ideology” is not only morally abhorrent, but it flies in the face of many University policies, including Rule 45 which states that “Texas A&M University is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living and working environment for all members of the University community”. The University rules apparently don’t apply to the University itself. You are driving away not just prospective students, but faculty and staff as well.

I have read the Texas A&M University “Strategic Planning Beyond 150” vision (https://strategyandbusiness.tamu.edu/strategic-planning/index.html?utm\_campaign=51644733-150%20Campaign&utm\_medium=email&\_hsenc=p2ANqtz-\_HzW786PlsUVt06BX9tnMIkKh8MzEAGPUgeFgNNhYR1TAvlPTT7MWBICSLS1GzahTHRqNPf5u-8qkMqTk-ziAhmtFd5g&\_hsmi=434423930&utm\_content=434423930&utm\_source=hs\_email). Striving for legitimate equality, promising to remove discrimination policies, apologizing for straying so far from what the University claims to represent, and a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge even if reality isn’t always comfortable or relatable… none of these topics are even mentioned. How is that possible? This vision is an embarrassment that fails at the most basic levels.

As a former student, I want to give back to Texas A&M in more ways than just financially. So far in my career, I've secured over $10M in funding, generated nearly 50 publications, and produced several national and international patents. This is productivity I could bring back to Texas A&M. In fact, I spent my entire time as a student dreaming that I would one day return as a Professor. A few years ago, I had that opportunity (per [redacted]), but I turned it down due to the University’s still-worsening institutional failures. I owe much to Texas A&M for the training I received as a student, but I refuse to be associated with the University until the ethical and educational priorities of the University align. I will always be wary of hateful individuals who mean to do LGBTQ people harm, but I feel that I wouldn't even be safe from the University itself as a faculty member until corrective action is taken, and so I will not be regardless of what the next offer looks like.

You cannot claim to be an institution of higher learning that promotes a safe and inclusive learning environment while simultaneously engaging in institutional discrimination against people for simply being who they are. Let's make one thing incontrovertibly clear: while LGBTQ people’s existence isn’t an “ideology”, promoting institutional discriminatory policies against them is. These policies are contradictory to the Texas A&M Aggie Core Values, and I will hold the University itself to them too. Make no mistake: history will remember your *actions*, even if you prohibit students from studying that as well. It’s time to look in the mirror for a moment of sorely-needed introspection. You claim to be "meeting the needs of the country head-on". With all due respect... start with yourself.

Sincerely,

[Redacted], Ph.D.

"The scientists used photodynamic therapy (PDT) -- a two-step treatment using a light-sensitive drug (5-aminolevulinic acid or 5-ALA) followed by activation with a specific wavelength of light to target HPV cells -- as a non-invasive method to eradicate 100 percent of HPV from 29 women. While the research and data are interesting, their work remains unpublished in a peer-reviewed journal." - from ABC News

Oh yeah, and her name is Dr. Eva Ramón Gallegos.

Full article here:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/wv-gop-house-member-elliott-pritt-charged-with-enticing-minor-girl-through-roblox-snapchat/article\_e026e25d-6bc7-484a-842a-71c75c6676db.html