Collin College Trustee Candidates Aim to Revive Institution from Infamous ‘Censorship Central’ Label.
Collin College has been a landmark institution for many students on their academic journey. However, critics are calling for change at the institution, which has received national attention for being the “epicenter of censorship in Texas.” With the Collin College Board of Trustees election coming up on May 6, early voting has already begun, and challengers Scott Coleman and Megan Wallace are hoping to win trustee seats against the incumbents. This election will determine who will occupy three trustee positions, with trusteeship hopefuls Cathie Alexander and Joe Minissale also vying for seats.
Each of these candidates has secured endorsements from the Collin Chapter of the Texas Faculty Association. The Observer recently spoke with Wallace and Coleman to understand more about what is at stake in this race.
Wallace, who has lived in Collin County for over a decade, moved to Texas with her family to start their digital media company, which they eventually sold. Finding herself wanting to take on a new challenge, she went back to school to finish pre-reqs for entering the legal program at Collin College. Having been pleasantly surprised by her experience, Wallace recognizes the school’s potential and aims to be a voice for the teachers, who she believes are fundamental to success at the institution. Wallace has suggested that the board partner with businesses to create scholarship and internship opportunities for students and improve their financial support for the faculty.
Coleman, a longtime Collin County resident, has served as a corporate lawyer and started a real estate business before transitioning to a career in education. He cites the defunding of public education in the state as one of his main platforms, which he also pursued when he ran for the Texas Legislature in 2016. Coleman is running with the intention of making the college accessible for every student, including through the creation of affordable dual-credit courses. He also noted the recent politicization of education, where he has heard stories of constant attacks targeting teachers who are accused of indoctrinating their students. Many professors have blasted Collin College, claiming they were terminated in violation of their constitutional rights. Moreover, faculty members are afraid for their jobs, making academic freedom difficult to come by.
Collin College’s controversies have garnered national attention, with the American Association of University Professors publishing a report on the school’s “egregious violations” of academic freedom. Survey responses from members of faculty, staff, and administration have shown that the college fosters a hostile and toxic workplace, making it an unsafe environment for women and minorities. Respondents also indicated that record-low morale leads to instances of sexism, bias, racism, and discrimination. As for academic freedom, participants feel that such freedom has been squelched, alongside an “authoritarian” power structure. Certain employees do not feel heard by the college and want it to return to being an institution where they’re proud to work.
Collin College has more significant implications for the local economy than most businesses, and it is essential for property values and infrastructure. Collin College would benefit from partnering with businesses and creating internships and scholarship opportunities for its students, as well as recognizing and rewarding its professors better. The Collin College Board of Trustees election will determine who will lead the institution for the next four years during a time when academic freedom and a safe and inclusive work environment are more essential than ever.
