(NewsNation) — Universities in Texas are using artificial intelligence to reshape their curricula under political pressure, raising concerns about the future of academic freedom.

Colleges are turning to AI tools to audit and, in some cases, rewrite how courses discuss race and gender, offering a glimpse into how quickly politics and technology can transform higher education.

According to the Texas Tribune, the Texas A&M University system is using “AI-assisted” tools, including OpenAI services, to scan course material and flag classes that might violate new state rules on so-called “divisive concepts.”

At Texas State University, professors are being handed AI-generated prompts, using tools like Copilot or ChatGPT, to rewrite course descriptions in what administrators call “value-neutral” language, swapping out words they say push a particular point of view.

Critics fear political control in higher ed

Supporters argue the effort is about standardization and oversight, but critics warn it could open the door to political control over higher education and stifle academic creativity and innovation.

“When you utilize AI to replace human judgment in the workplace, in our education system, you don’t just lose innovation, you ultimately end up losing control, and I don’t think that’s what we want as a country,” said Stephanie Alston, CEO of BGG Enterprises.

Texas AI audits raise accuracy concerns

With some faculty and civil liberties advocates pushing back on the move, observers say Texas could become a model for other states as lawmakers nationwide increase their scrutiny of university governance.

There are also growing concerns about accuracy and context.

The Texas Tribune reports staff tested AI prompts and received inconsistent results, and internal officials warned of an “inherent risk of inaccuracy.”

Legal challenges may be next, with free-speech and academic-freedom groups expected to closely monitor — and potentially challenge — how far these AI-driven audits go.