Austin, October 13, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has revised its free speech policy to align with Texas Senate Bill 2972, designating the campus as a ‘limited public forum.’ This change allows only students and employees to participate in expressive activities, requiring written permission for public protests. The policy was influenced by previous pro-Palestine protests that resulted in arrests, and it includes new restrictions on protest hours and identification requirements. Experts voice concerns over the implications for constitutional rights amidst security and operational considerations.
Austin – The University of Texas System Board of Regents updated the university’s free speech policy on August 22 to comply with Texas Senate Bill 2972, also known as the Campus Protection Act. This new legislation significantly alters the way expressive activities are conducted on campus, reversing the previous classification of common outdoor areas as “traditional public forums.”
Under the Campus Protection Act, the University of Texas is now classified as a “limited public forum,” which restricts expressive activities to students and employees only. Members of the public are no longer permitted to protest or hold events on campus without obtaining written permission from the university. Furthermore, university officials now have the authority to request that students and employees provide proof of identity during campus protests.
The urgent need for this policy change was largely triggered by pro-Palestine protests that occurred at the university in April 2024, resulting in 136 arrests. To further enhance security and control, the new policy includes prohibitions on encampments and the wearing of disguises, reiterating existing regulations embedded within the university’s free speech policy. Additionally, university authorities are granted “reasonable discretion” to assess whether any expressive activity is deemed disruptive to university operations.
Limitations placed on expressive activities under the new policy dictate that such activities are prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Previously, these activities were restricted from 10:30 p.m. to 8 a.m., although exceptions existed for university-sanctioned events. This revision further modifies the landscape of free expression at the university.
Experts in free speech have pointed out that while certain aspects of the updated rules are justifiable, others may raise constitutional concerns, particularly regarding silent expressive activities. The policy’s framework also allows university officials to make judgments about whether an activity disrupts university functions, without taking into consideration the speaker’s viewpoint or public objections to the expression.
Advocates for clearer speech regulations, including those from the Institute for Free Speech, stress the necessity of providing students with a more comprehensible version of the policy to ensure individuals understand their rights in relation to protests and expressive activities.
Background Context
Texas Senate Bill 2972 was enacted to enhance the protection of campus environments, highlighting a shift in the approach to free speech on college campuses throughout the state. Prior to this law, the designation of public areas at universities as “traditional public forums” allowed individuals significant freedom to express themselves without the stringent regulations now mandated by the Campus Protection Act.
The situation at the University of Texas serves as a prominent example of the balancing act between ensuring safety and maintaining individual rights to free speech in educational settings. University officials are tasked with navigating these new regulations while also addressing community needs for expressiveness and open dialogue.
Conclusion
The updates to the University of Texas’ free speech policy are reflective of wider legislative changes impacting campus life in Texas. As institutions adapt to these regulations, continued discussions surrounding the implications for free expression will likely persist.
FAQ
What is the main change in the University of Texas’ free speech policy?
The University of Texas System Board of Regents updated UT’s free speech policy on August 22 to comply with Texas Senate Bill 2972, also known as the Campus Protection Act.
How does the Campus Protection Act affect public protests on campus?
Under the Campus Protection Act, UT is classified as a “limited public forum,” restricting expressive activities to students and employees only. Members of the public can no longer protest or hold events on campus unless they obtain written permission from the University.
What prompted the implementation of this new policy?
The implementation of this law was prompted by pro-Palestine protests at UT in April 2024, which led to 136 arrests.
What limitations are placed on expressive activities according to the new policy?
Limitations on expressive activities include a prohibition on such activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Key Features of the Policy Changes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Classification Change | UT is now a “limited public forum” |
| Who can Express? | Restrictions to students and employees only |
| Public Protests | Require written permission from the University |
| Identification Requests | University officials can request proof of identity |
| Prohibitions | No encampments or disguises in protests |
| Time Restrictions | Expressive activities prohibited from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Texas State Fired Lawsuit and Free Speech
- Wikipedia: Free Speech
- Statesman: 35 Years – UT Austin Hardly Recognize
- Google Search: Texas Senate Bill 2972
- The Daily Texan: UT System Approves Free Speech Policy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Free Speech
- CBS News: UATX Launches Touting Ideological Openness
- Google News: UT Texas Free Speech Policy
- Inside Higher Ed: Texas State Prof Sues Over Free Speech
- Google Scholar: Texas Free Speech Laws
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