TexasStudentsSpeakOut Against New Free Speech Restrictions

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's recent executive order on antisemitism in colleges has raised major free speech concerns, with students worried about the chilling effect on campus discourse.

• Universities are now required to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism in their policies, which includes broad and vague language that could punish students for protected political speech, such as criticism of Israeli policy.
• The order's author, Kenneth Stern, warns it "was never supposed to curtail speech on campus," yet that's exactly what Texas colleges are doing, with some adopting blanket bans on any expression deemed antisemitic.
• Abbott specifically targeted groups like Palestine Solidarity Committees, further chilling free speech and sending a clear message that certain viewpoints will be punished.
• Students at Texas State University and colleges like Panola, Texas Tech, and Dallas fear expulsion for speaking out, with severe penalties for violating these vague policies.

"Specific viewpoints that he [Abbott] does not like must be punished."

Texas colleges must protect the First Amendment rights of all students, rather than undermining free speech with subjective and broad definitions of "antisemitic" or "hate speech." With the new school year approaching, it's time to stand up for free expression and push back against these unconstitutional mandates.

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By Nordstrom and Marchand, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.