Texas university curriculum changes under Senate Bill 37

Following the passage of Texas Senate Bill 37, several major university systems in Texas are implementing significant reductions to their core curricula. The law requires governing boards to ensure core courses are “foundational and fundamental” for civic life and workforce preparation.

In August 2026, the University of Houston System Board of Regents approved the removal of approximately 100 to 133 courses for the 2026-27 academic year. These cuts include subjects such as global climate change and women’s, LGBT, and gender studies, though courses covering Chicano, African American, and U.S. women's history were retained. Officials noted that removed courses would remain available as electives.

By September 2026, the Texas A&M University System moved toward a similar proposal that could eliminate more than 200 courses across 11 universities. Proposed removals include LGBTQ literature, climate change, Latinx literature, and the history of Black Americans. While university spokespeople stated these reviews comply with state law and system policy, faculty and critics have characterized the changes as a political decision and an overreach of state authority.