Several Texas universities are turning to artificial intelligence tools to conduct comprehensive audits of course content, in response to growing conservative oversight of topics such as gender identity. New state legislation granting governor-appointed regents expanded authority over curricula has intensified these measures, raising concerns among faculty and AI experts over academic freedom and reliability.

The Texas A&M University System began its AI-assisted audit after a lesson on gender identity led to the dismissal of a professor and the resignation of the university president at its flagship campus. Korry Castillo, the system’s chief strategy officer, reported inconsistencies in the AI tool, noting that minor changes in queries about courses on feminism produced markedly different results. Despite these early issues, Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents pressed forward with audits across all 12 universities in the system.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James Hallmark defended the initiative as an effort to ensure accuracy in course descriptions, emphasizing that AI could help identify discrepancies or outdated material. Faculty members, however, worry that the technology may oversimplify complex topics and inadvertently censor nuanced discussion on race, gender, and social issues.

Critics warn that deploying AI in academic oversight could have broader implications, potentially shaping curricula to align with political priorities rather than educational rigor. Experts in educational technology caution that AI tools are not yet sophisticated enough to reliably interpret sensitive subjects, leading to potential misrepresentation of course content.

As Texas universities continue these AI audits, the debate over the intersection of technology, education, and politics is likely to intensify, with faculty, administrators, and lawmakers navigating the balance between oversight and academic freedom.