Abbott: 'Texas is targeting professors' over 'leftist ideologies'

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Sunday that his state is targeting professors pushing "leftist ideologies" as he shared news of the latest college educator allegedly fired over their beliefs.

In a post on social media, Abbott shared an Axios article about a University of Texas professor, Art Markman, who said the school’s leadership dismissed him from his administrative role in September “due to ideological differences.”

“Univ. of Texas professor was dismissed from an administrative post overseeing university academic affairs because of ideological differences,” Abbott wrote, echoing the professor’s own statement.

“Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation,” he continued. “We must end indoctrination and return to education fundamentals at all levels of education.”

Earlier this year, a Texas A&M University professor was fired after facing conservative criticism for a lesson on gender expressions, identity and sexuality. In the ensuing controversy, the president of the university resigned.

The moves come as the Trump administration has sought to play a bigger role in higher education throughout the country, particularly regarding stamping out what it sees as leftist dogma.

Recently, the administration urged a group of nine universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, to sign a 10-point plan that would guarantee them certain funding advantages if the schools agreed to President Trump’s demands.

Several schools have already rejected the funding compact.

University of Texas officials did not say whether they would sign the agreement but said they “welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it.”