Texas Tech University

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

Early this week, Texas Tech’s athletics department announced it would no longer encourage or permit the throwing of tortillas during kickoffs at home football games. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more ahead of another home game this weekend. A 2023 Texas law demanding publishers rate their own books based on sexually explicit content has been declared unconstitutional.

Faculty have spent weeks seeking clarity on new restrictions, which have often been issued by word of mouth. A written Q&A was rescinded.

Last week, Texas Tech University's system chancellor Tedd Mitchell sent a memorandum on the universities' compliance with state and federal orders regarding discussions of sex and gender. Our Samantha Larned reached out to the chancellor’s office and has more. After identifying several rabid bats in the area, the City of Lubbock is reminding residents not to handle wildlife and what to do if you or a pet have a potential rabies exposure.

Lubbock Public Health is recommending precautions against mosquitos after confirming the county's first human case of West Nile Virus this year. The Texas Education Agency says it’s received more than 350 complaints against teachers and staff for comments made after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports some educators have already been fired. The Texas Tech University System’s board of regents are set to approve state senator Brandon Creighton as the next system chancellor in a meeting today. If approved, he will begin acting as chancellor on Nov. 17.

This semester, enrollment has increased at Lubbock’s three largest higher education institutions, Texas Tech University, Lubbock Christian University and South Plains College. West Texas A&M's enrollment also increased.

Professors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.

The Texas Legislature has formed new House and Senate committees focused on freedom of speech on Texas college campuses. The Texas Newsroom's Blaise Gainey says the move was prompted by last week's murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Here in Lubbock, a Texas Tech student was arrested at a Charlie Kirk memorial on campus Friday. Our Brad Burt reports she was charged with simple assault.

The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents has officially named Houston Republican Senator Brandon Creighton as the sole finalist for chancellor of the university system. Our Brad Burt has more on Creighton and the decision. Today, community health screenings will be offered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And at the Godeke Library, a social worker will be available 1-3 p.m. Looking to this Sunday, Buddy Holly’s 89th Birthday Bash will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Buddy Holly Center at 1801 Crickets Ave.

More Texas universities are turning to politicians to lead their systems, preferring political clout over academic credentials.