Free speech laws are fortified at Texas state campuses

By Karina Medina

SAN MARCOS, Texas—Texas has recently passed a bill on Texas state campuses reinforcing freedom of speech laws, generating a dispute between students at Texas State University

A new bill, SB 18, was signed by Texas governor Greg Abbot, enforcing college campus to allow free speech activities such as passing out written information without university authorization. The bill also grants universities permission to set restrictions on time place and manner of free speech activities.

In April, the student government of Texas State University wanted to ban a conservative group called the Turning Point USA off the campus. The group was said to promote white supremacy and spread hate speech among the campus. After the student senate passed a controversial resolution to bar the conservative group, the topic caught the attention of Gov. Gregg Abbot who questioned if universities should still be funded.

Students on campus seem to support Abbot's bill, and some also felt that banning the organization was unconstitutional and against our first amendment.

Micalea Betts
Photo by Asia Lee

  “I don’t think Texas State should ban people from coming to campus to voice their opinion. It's their right to voice their opinion at public places,” Micaela Betts said. “I don’t think Texas State should ban organizations just because they have different views from everyone.”  

Although students felt it necessary to have controversial speech, questions arise as to where the limits are drawn.

“I don’t think we should limit controversial speech because there are things in this world that are going to make us uncomfortable,” Marketing major Lauren Garza said. “But if we were to say we should limit it I would be another closed-minded person lost in oblivion.” 

Lauren Garza
Photo by Karina Medina

Many students feel that universities should not interfere with limiting speech however, feel that there should be a line drawn when it comes to violence.

“I feel there is need for controversy that’s how problems get fixed, but there shouldn’t be threats or violence involved,” Texas State student Paulina Ruggeberg said. “I don’t feel universities should get involved with controversial speakers unless there is harm between the two parties.”

Paulina Ruggeberg
Photo by Karina Medina

The Knight Foundation  recently released a report called "free Expression on College  Campuses," to better understand this generations views it showed that student do not feel that free speech laws should be restricted however 41% of students draw the line at hate speech.

“I think people should be able to freely express themselves on campus but when people start to attack someone based on their race, ethnicity, sexuality, and etc. and they are no longer providing a valid point that’s where I believe the line should be drawn,” Education major, Emily Tejada said. “At that point they’re just saying mean things to hurt the other person.”   

Emily Tejada
Photo by Asia Lee

Donald Stevenson
Photo by Aaron Esparza

 In an article by FIRE, an organization that protects students’ rights at colleges and universities, Texas State made the top 10 worst colleges list for free speech. In terms of resolving this problem students feel that it’s important to listen and also be able to express opinions. 

“I do strongly believe that Texas State is well equipped with accomplishing the aspect of each individual student having the right of free speech,” Donald Stevenson said. “It is important to Texas state that each student is heard and their voice is not looked down upon.