Free Speech

The Honor Council recommended a written reprimand for “celebratory” comments. The lawsuit argued that would violate her free speech rights.

The Texas Tech University System announced that it will be closing all academic programs 'centered on' Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The process will include a program review, admissions freeze, and closure. Students currently enrolled in these programs will be able to finish their degrees.

Texas Tech students and faculty gathered at Memorial Circle Thursday afternoon to protest against new restrictions on course materials.

This week, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced that the Hub City BBQ Cookoff, scheduled as a two day event in September, will not be open to the public this year. The UT System board of regents have approved a measure for faculty to avoid quote “controversial topics.” KUT’s Greta Diaz Gonzalez Vazquez tells us faculty and advocates are worried this might lead to censorship.

This is the latest move by the state to have more control over what is taught at public universities.

An event organized by a student group intended to discuss abortion was cancelled by the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center late last month, after backlash from conservative activists and Turning Point USA at Texas Tech. Now, another free speech group is calling on the TTUHSC to allow them to reschedule the event.

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center cancelled an event organized by a student group, set to take place last week featuring a conversation about third-trimester abortion. Our reporter Samantha Larned reports the decision has been met with support and criticism from free speech advocacy groups.

The system’s chancellor meant to instill clarity and accountability, but three weeks into the spring semester, some instructors say the standards have led to “censorship.”

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.