Free Speech

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.