Texas’ Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced in February he would seek to end tenure for University of Texas professors who teach Critical Race Theory (CRT). University president Jay Hartzell  has responded with a strong message to professors that he will defend tenure because removing it will “cripple Texas’ ability to recruit and retain great faculty members.” The subject is certain to be an issue in the state, as Patrick is running for re-election and has consistently vowed that ending tenure for Texas state universities will be a top priority in next year’s legislative session. At stake is the decision of who will be the gatekeepers of what is taught in Texas schools; teachers and professors, or the University of Texas Board of Regents and voters of Texas. Professors who reach tenure generally are immune from termination, except for cause or extraordinary circumstances, according to the American Association of University Professors. …