Free Speech

The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers is asking the court to bar the Texas Education Agency from investigating educators for their comments on social media after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Buddy Holly Center is hosting a lecture that coincides with the Lonesome Dove traveling exhibition currently in town. Our new student reporter Charley Maranville explains the presentation is focused on the adaptation and impact of the work. The lecture is Friday, from 6 to 7:30 P.M. at the Buddy Holly Center and the exhibition is open until March 22.

As students return to colleges and universities across Texas, questions remain regarding discussions of gender and race in the classroom and on campus. Our Samantha Larned reports on the latest from the Texas Tech and Texas A&M university systems.

As students return to colleges and universities across the state, questions remain regarding discussions of gender and race on Texas campuses. Faculty with the Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University systems are dealing with the impact of new policies on their class curriculums, as West Texas A&M continues to face legal challenges to its drag performance ban.

Following the Dec. 1 memorandum from Texas Tech University System Chancellor Brandon Creighton, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sent letters to each of the five presidents within the Tech system, calling upon them not to restrict academic freedom or classroom instruction based on viewpoint.

The Select Committees on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education were formed days after Kirk's assassination on a Utah college campus. Members assembled Thursday in Austin for their first meeting to assess state free speech laws.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can enforce Senate Bill 12, which restricts "sexually oriented performances" in front of kids. The judges said drag shows aren't necessarily sexual, and the plaintiffs, including a drag performer and two entertainment companies, may not be harmed by the law.

Some students and professors say recent changes and scandals chill speech at universities. Others argue that conservative opinions can now be shared more freely.

As “No Kings” demonstrations unfolded across the country, Lubbock residents gathered outside Citizens Tower to call for greater transparency and accountability in government. While turnout was smaller than a similar event in June, counter-protesters showed up in greater numbers — some sharing concerns about government transparency despite political differences.

The new law, called the "Campus Protection Act," requires student groups to get the university's permission before inviting guest speakers to campus, among other restrictions. Students have raised concerns that these changes limit their free speech.