Texas A&M System leaders declined to reinstate Melissa McCoul after a viral classroom confrontation over a gender‑identity lesson, the university system’s vice chancellor for academic affairs concluded McCoul’s firing was for "good cause." The decision follows a faculty panel finding that McCoul’s academic freedom was violated and that the former president bypassed proper termination processes. McCoul’s legal team said she will pursue First Amendment, due‑process and breach‑of‑contract claims in court. For campus leaders and provost offices, the ruling signals renewed legal and governance exposure when rapid, public controversies intersect with tenure, dismissal procedures and high‑profile administrative action.