New Texas law reinforces the first amendment on Texas state campuses

New Texas law reinforces the first amendment on Texas state campuses

By Asia Lee

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The state of Texas passed a law reinforcing freedom of speech on Texas college campuses, which caused an uproar upon Texas State students discussing the necessity of the law.

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott passed Senate Bill 18, that allows students to assemble or distribute written material without a permit or written permission from university officials. The bill also states that student organizations can’t be denied general university services based on their political, religious, or social viewpoints.

In April, the student government at Texas State attempted to ban a conservative group, Turning Point USA. They were accused of creating a “hostile environment,” harassing students and faculty, promoting white supremacy and illegally funding student government candidates.

Emily Tejada
Photo by Asia Lee 

Emily Tejada, senior, explains that she doesn't feel comfortable voicing her opinion because of the hostility she’s seen as a result. 

“When you're at the stallions, there can often be confrontation and it can become very hostile,” Tejada said.  “You can say one thing, and someone will take your words and twist it around.”  

Texas Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw applauded Abbott for signing a “free speech” law. Crenshaw states that universities are coddling their students by banning groups they don’t agree with.

Samantha Groody, senior, agrees that students should be able to exercise their first amendment right but in a respectful manner. Groody has experienced harsh comments on campus for declining flyers.

“I wasn’t affected by the statement on the sign, but someone else may be,” Groody said. “I feel it’s all about respect and the professionalism that the organizations are trying to convey to their peers.”

Samantha Groody
Photo by Taylor Batey

This issue has been a hot topic that’s made national news. It’s the federal government's duty to encourage institutions to promote open, engaging and diverse debate.  President Trump’s executive order allows the federal government to withhold research and education grants from public universities failing to promote free speech on campus.

The Observer stated that many legal experts and education officials across the country say such "free speech" laws are inane, given that public universities are bound by the U.S. Constitution to allow free speech and assembly on campuses.

“No matter how this order is implemented, it is neither needed nor desirable, and could lead to unwanted federal micromanagement of the cutting-edge research that is critical to our nation’s continued vitality and global leadership,” Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education said.

Paulina Rugeberg
Photo by Karina Medina

Some students, like Alison Castillo and Paulina Rugeberg, juniors, agree with Trump and Abbott on their stance on implementing the first amendment on campus. Although, they both think the two went too far by threatening to pull federal funding to manipulate the institution to abide by their personal beliefs.

Alison Castillo
Photo by Aaron Esparza

“No I don't feel that limiting speech is the right way to stop controversial speech if that were the goal,” Rugeberg said. “I feel there is a need for controversy that's how problems get fixed, but there shouldn't be threats or violence involved.”

Lauren Garza, a senior, thinks that limiting freedom of speech will only regress the process of the United States.

“ I don't think we should limit controversial speech because there are things in this world that are going to make us uncomfortable but if we’re to say we should limit it would be another closer minded person lost in the oblivion,” Garza said.

Lauren Garza
Photo by Karina Medina 

Castillo believes they wouldn’t have fought so hard to implement freedom of speech on college campuses if it was the other party (liberals) getting oppressed.

“I especially have a problem with Governor Abbott and President Trump’s twisted efforts to advocate for free speech because it’s clear they would only throw an adult-tantrum for the right; never both sides equally despite the oath they took to represent all people,” said Castillo.

According to The Medium, majority of students don’t support free speech restrictions but 41% draw the line at hate speech. Many students believe everyone has a right to their opinion even if they don’t agree with it. The students interviewed for this article all said that Turing Point USA shouldn’t have been banned for their conservative views unless they’re using that organization to spread hate on campus. Everyone has a right to voice their opinion respectfully.