Texas Tech University faculty reported widespread self-censorship after system directives restricted course content related to race, sex, gender identity, and related DEI topics. A faculty senate survey of just under 370 professors found that nearly half altered course content without being asked, while another quarter reported instructions from administrators or staff. Faculty respondents also linked the climate to recruitment and retention concerns, with 52% considering leaving due to the directives. The survey was conducted following memos from Texas Tech University System leadership, including guidance about teaching only a male-female gender binary and creating course-content review processes. The reporting frames the results as a chilling-effect indicator: faculty say the impact goes beyond formal reviews, with pressure felt before direct instruction or even when research restrictions were not intended to apply.