Texas A&M English prof candidates better have a 'feminist' or 'queer' 'agenda'

Texas A&M University-Commerce is seeking a new assistant English professor, preferably one versed in topics such as social justice or “queer” and “decolonial” “rhetorics.”

The job listing reads like that of a typical tenure track English professor opening but specifies that the ideal candidate’s background would include an “active research agenda” in one of a number of specified categories. Aside from “community writing,” and “public rhetoric,” the desired topics are largely focused on writing through social justice or identity politics-themed lenses.

In addition to researchers of “writing in social justice,” the listing also calls for applicants with a background in “feminist,” “latinx,” “(trans)gender,” “decolonial,” “transnational,” or “queer” “cultural rhetorics.”

[RELATED: Students petition to eliminate ‘offensive’ Colonial mascot]

The proposed minimum annual salary for the selected candidate, who will start in August 2019, will be $66,666.60.

Texas A&M University-Commerce Chief Marketing Officer Scott Carson elaborated on the position while speaking with Campus Reform.

“A research agenda is simply a research plan specific to a discipline,” Carson said. “It details specific areas of research and the methodologies that will be used to answer questions. A research agenda, or plan, is essential in the professional development of a tenure-track professor.”

[RELATED: Students ‘queer’ the Bible for credit]

In response to being asked if an applicant with more traditional rather than progressive values would qualify for such a position, such as a person whose personal convictions prevented him or her from being a “queer” advocate, Carson replied “we ask that our employees facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage other cultures or backgrounds. The university is committed to equal opportunity for all.”

Follow the author of this article on Twitter:  @celinedryan