Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. Join Tom as he explores the people, places and their activities of the Texas Hill Country. In this episode Tom visits with Loren Steffy about the controversy regarding the announcement of the hiring of Kathleen McElroy to head the School of Journalism and how it all went sideways.
This matter involves a recent controversy at Texas A&M University and highlighted the need for universities to embrace inclusion and create an environment where all students feel welcome and respected. The controversy began when the school attempted to hire Kathleen McElroy, an A&M graduate, to head the journalism program. The job offer was changed from a tenured position to a one-year position with the possibility of being fired at any time, leading to the resignation of the school’s president. This incident has caused a stir, prompting discussions about the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education and the unique culture of A&M, which is both inclusive and exclusive. It has also raised questions about the university’s hiring practices and whether they have been giving potential employees and students from diverse backgrounds a fair chance.
Key Highlights
· Kathleen McElroy’s Initial Hiring
· It all goes sideways
· A&M Culture
· A&M Hiring Issues
· What does it all mean?
Resources
Loren Steffy
Stoney Creek Publishing
Texas A&M’s Journalism Fiasco Has Roots in the School’s Conformist Culture by Loren Steffy in TexasMonthly.com
Tom Fox
