HOUSTON - A recently filed lawsuit is alleging the Texas A&M University System discriminates when hiring faculty by giving preferences to female or non-Asian minorities at the expense of white and Asian men.
On behalf of himself and others similarly situated, Richard Lowery, an associate professor of finance at the University of Texas, filed the complaint on Sept. 10 in the U.S. District Court for Southern Texas.
“The Texas A&M University System, along with nearly every university in the United States, discriminates on account of race and sex when hiring its faculty, by giving discriminatory preferences to female or non-Asian minorities at the expense of white and Asian men,” the lawsuit states.
“This practice, popularly known as ‘affirmative action,’ has led universities to hire and promote inferior faculty candidates over individuals with better scholarship, better credentials, and better teaching ability.”
The lawsuit argues that race and sex preferences are patently illegal under Title VI and Title IX, which prohibit all forms of race and sex discrimination at universities that receive federal funds.
The suit further states that Lowery stands “able and ready” to apply for a faculty appointment at Texas A&M University, but racial preferences and set-asides established by Texas A&M prevent him from competing with other applicants on an equal basis.
Lowery is asking the court of declare that Texas A&M is violating Title VI and Title IX, and to permanently enjoin the university system from considering race or sex in the appointment, promotion, or compensation of its faculty.
The plaintiff is represented by Austin attorney Jonathan Mitchell, along with Gene Hamilton of America First Legal Foundation.
Case No. 4:22-cv-03091