Free speech creates divide on college campuses

By: Aaron Esparza

SAN MARCOS, Texas – A series of recently passed free speech laws, both in Texas and nationally, take aim at college campuses and has Texas State students split on the decision.

Gov. Gregg Abbott that will allow students to assemble and distribute written material without permission or a permit. The bill also protects student organizations with various viewpoints from being banned from campus. Abbott’s decision to enact the law stems from colleges like Texas State University banning conservative organizations from speaking on campus.

Free speech has been a topic of discussion recently at Texas State due to issues that occurred in the spring semester. The Student Government attempted to ban the conservative organization Turning Point USA from campus. The organization was accused of harassing students and faculty, promoting white supremacy, illegally funding candidates and manipulating course content. Despite the accusations, Student Government does not have the authority to independent bar a recognized student organization. A protest that opposed an outside group intending to speak on campus led to the arrest of four students.

Texas State senior, Donald Stevenson said the Student Government’s decision to ban the organization from campus was a little drastic. Especially considering that they do not have the authority to do so.

“Whether or not you agree with the organization’s core values, it is still imperative that we as young professionals learn how to deal with varying viewpoints,” Stevenson said.

Senior Donald Stevenson Photo by:
Aaron Esparza 

States across the country are signing similar laws that protect free speech on college campus in their area. According to a report distributed by the Knight Foundation, 68% of college students believe their campus climate prevents them from expressing their true opinions. Republican students feel hesitant to openly share their views because they are not of the popular opinion. Most students do not support restrictions on free speech, but 41% feel that hate speech should be restricted. Some students at Texas State feel indifferent about restrictions on hate speech.

Junior, Ryan Taylor, said that hate speech does not make him feel unsafe at all because someone else’s opinion is not his reality. Although, he does understand that certain people have certain triggers and he has not personally experienced hate speech on campus.

“To be honest, it’s better for people to be vocal about their hate so you can know who and who not to surround yourself with,” Taylor said. “Silent hate is worse than vocal hate.”

 Texas State was ranked one of the worst campuses for free speech in 2018 by FIRE, an organization that defends The First Amendment. This ranking is based on the public outrage that followed an editorial piece that was published in the university newspaper last November. The article titled “Your DNA is an abomination,” asserts that race is a social construct that is used to oppress minorities and that “whiteness” should be destroyed. Three staff members were called to resign, and the paper’s funding was threatened.

Texas State junior, Alison Castillo, said that the notion of free speech indicates that everyone has the right to articulate their own opinions, thoughts and beliefs freely without punishment from the government.

Junior Alison Castillo Photo By: Aaron Esparza

“I am a huge supporter of the First Amendment and advocate for the voicing of opinions even if I disagree wholeheartedly with the person speaking,” Castillo said. “In principle, it would allow anyone to say anything they please so long as it does not insight harm to themselves or those around them.”

President Trump has signed an executive order this month that will also protect free speech on college campuses. The bill and order have both threatened to pull federal funding if the schools do not comply. Some students feel like this is an overreach by the government.

Texas State Senior, Hunter Hudgins said that this is just a power move by the president.

“I mean he can make the statement all he wants but it’s been a move every president has used by threatening to not fund something they don’t agree with,” Hudgins Said.