Political interventions over history, curriculum and speech are reshaping institutions beyond academia: the CEO of the nonprofit managing the Alamo resigned after state leaders publicly criticized her academic research and called for her removal. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick attacked the CEO over a doctoral paper that questioned how the Alamo’s story should be told. Across Texas, Republican‑led actions — faculty firings, course audits and restrictions — are producing confusion about what faculty can teach and students can study. Critics say the moves chill scholarly inquiry and academic freedom; supporters argue they correct perceived politicization of history and classroom content. The episodes are part of a larger national pattern in which state officials and political actors are exerting direct pressure on educational governance, prompting universities and historic trusts to reevaluate governance structures, donor relationships and public messaging. Clarification: academic freedom refers to the principle that scholars should pursue research and teaching without undue political interference; state actions can affect institutional autonomy indirectly via funding and governance oversight.