AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The 20-year-old campus of Texas A&M University in Qatar is set to close its doors by the year 2028, with the university’s Board of Regents attributing the decision in part to the “heightened instability” in the Middle East region.
The announcement on Thursday came amidst scrutiny from a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, which raised questions about the university’s partnership with the Qatar Foundation during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October.
The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy voiced concerns about weapon development and nuclear engineering research, prompting a rigorous defense of the Qatar campus’s research and security practices by Texas A&M.
Despite Qatar’s strategic role as a mediator in the Middle East and the location of the largest U.S. military base in the area, the Texas A&M Board of Regents stated that discussions to reassess the campus in Doha had begun prior to recent criticisms.
University system spokesperson Michael Reilly dismissed the negative report as having no impact on the closure decision, which was said to have been under consideration since fall 2023. President Mark Welsh also emphasized the lack of a nuclear engineering program or relevant courses on the Qatar campus.
While acknowledging the value of the Qatar campus’s educational contributions, board Chairman Bill Mahomes underscored that Texas A&M’s core mission should primarily progress within Texas and the U.S.
The school’s contract with the Qatar Foundation requires a gradual approach to the campus shutdown, ensuring operations until 2028. Currently, the Qatar campus in Education City serves around 700 students and offers programs emphasizing engineering disciplines.
Other U.S. universities such as Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Virginia Commonwealth, and Weill Cornell Medicine also have branches in Education City.
Both the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy and the Qatar Foundation have expressed strong opinions regarding the recent decision, with the former praising Texas A&M and the latter denouncing the move as influenced by a smear campaign.
The U.S. ambassador to Qatar, Timmy Davis, also lamented the campus closure, praising its embodiment of American values and its impact on Education City.
FAQ: Texas A&M’s Qatar Campus Closure
- Why is Texas A&M closing its Qatar campus?
The decision is attributed to “heightened instability” in the Middle East, along with considerations about the university’s core mission being primarily focused within the U.S. - When will the Qatar campus officially close?
The campus is scheduled to close by 2028, as stipulated in the contract with the Qatar Foundation. - Did recent criticisms regarding Texas A&M’s Qatar campus impact the decision to close?
University officials state that these criticisms did not influence the decision, which had been under consideration since before the reported concerns emerged. - What has been the reaction from other parties regarding the closure?
The decision has elicited mixed reactions, from support for academic integrity and national security concerns to criticism for succumbing to a disinformation campaign.
Conclusion
The forthcoming closure of Texas A&M University’s Qatar campus by 2028 marks a significant shift in the school’s international engagement strategy. The board’s resolution to wind down operations reflects broader geopolitical considerations and a refocusing on domestic objectives. The decision has sparked a broad spectrum of responses, highlighting divergent perspectives on the interconnectedness of education, national security, and international diplomacy.
