Palestine protests: 5 key takeaways

UT Responds to Pro-Palestinian Protests with Policy Changes, Layoffs & Disciplinary Actions

Protests & Repression

Three months ago, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the University of Texas (UT), demanding the institution divest from weapons manufacturers contributing to Israel's bombardment of Gaza. At the April 24 and April 29 demonstrations, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, clad in riot gear and zip ties, some on horseback, arrested 57 and 79 people, respectively.

University Response

Hiring of FGS Global:

• A day after the April 29 protest, UT hired FGS Global, a strategic communications firm, for $75,000 to handle communications regarding protests and "reputational matters." (Contract)
• The contract includes daily meetings, forming a crisis group, rethinking on-the-record statements, identifying allies, and developing a social media strategy.

Layoffs in University Marketing & Communications:

• A month later, UT laid off 20 staff members, eliminating 16 positions, due to "changing priorities."
• Mike Rosen, a UT spokesperson, did not comment on a link between the layoffs and FGS Global's work.

Policy Changes & Free Speech

• UT changed its Speech, Expression, and Assembly rules, citing a need to protect against antisemitism per a Gov. Greg Abbott executive order.
• However, UT also made changes that limit expression and give the university more power to restrict it, without notifying the campus community.
• Changes include:
  • Extending authority to any "peace officer with lawful jurisdiction" to respond to campus concerns.
  • Allowing staff to search for potential weapons during campus disruptions.
  • Prohibiting amplified sound on campus during finals week, when April protests occurred.
  • Permitting UT staff to extend the perimeter beyond 10 feet around facilities to restrict expressive conduct.

Expenses & Disciplinary Actions

• UT spent $8,641 on protest-related expenses, including $5,200 on Pok-e-joes barbecue for police and staff, water, hotels, and zip ties.
• In early June, UT initiated disciplinary proceedings against arrested student protesters, and some reported holds on transcripts or class registration.
• While the ACLU of Texas warned against infringing on students' free speech rights, UT responded that all students receive due process.
• Outcomes include deferred suspensions for accepting responsibility and reviewing UT's changed speech policies, a two-year suspension/ban for one student, and pending cases for others.

Charges Dropped

• The Travis County Attorney's Office dropped all 79 criminal trespassing charges for the April 29 protesters, considering potential violations of free speech rights.
• All 57 charges for the April 24 protesters were also dismissed due to "deficiencies" in probable cause affidavits.
• Non-criminal charges for April 29 protesters are still pending.