Austin, October 13, 2025
News Summary
A coalition of students from the University of Texas at Austin and Dallas has filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas System, alleging that a newly implemented free speech policy is overly restrictive and violates their civil rights. The lawsuit, supported by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, challenges provisions of the new policy that limit expressive activities. This legal action arises in the context of heightened tensions following pro-Palestine protests and concerns over academic freedom and First Amendment rights on campuses.
AUSTIN – A coalition of students from the University of Texas at Austin and Dallas has filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas System, challenging a newly implemented free speech policy that they claim is overly restrictive and infringing on their civil rights. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, following a pro-Palestine protest that took place on April 24, marking the anniversary of last year’s protests against the university’s divestment from weapons manufacturers.
The lawsuit is spearheaded by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which seeks an injunction against the new policy. The foundation argues that this policy, established in August to comply with Senate Bill 2972, known as the “Campus Protection Act,” reverses essential free speech protections that were originally set in place in 2019. These former protections had designated university outdoor spaces as public forums, granting significant safeguards for free speech.
The Campus Protection Act was introduced following substantial pro-Palestinian protests on Texas campuses in April 2024, which resulted in over 150 arrests. The new law restricts expressive activities from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and during the final two weeks of each semester, raising concerns about its implications for various forms of expression.
The lawsuit outlines that the definitions of “expressive activities” within the law are legally vague, posing a potential risk of stifling a broad range of First Amendment-protected speech. This includes activities such as early morning prayers and late-night publication of articles by student media outlets. For example, the president of the Texas Society of Unconventional Drummers expressed concerns that the law jeopardizes their main source of funding from an end-of-semester outdoor performance.
Additional plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the Young Americans for Liberty at UT Austin, the Fellowship of Christian University Students, and the independent student newspaper “Retrogade” from UT Dallas. A representative from FIRE emphasized that the new policy effectively grants campus administrators excessive power to censor speech.
Statements from officials within the UT System revealed that they are unable to comment further on the details due to the ongoing litigation. There are concerns among student journalists as well, with the managing editor at The Retrograde noting that the law’s restrictions could hinder their ability to publish timely articles.
The contentious free speech policy appears to specifically target political messages that may be deemed unpopular by those in power, leading to a significant discussion regarding the balance between campus safety and the protection of constitutional rights.
Background Context
The debate surrounding free speech on college campuses has grown increasingly contentious in recent years, particularly in light of protests related to political causes. The University of Texas System’s recent policy changes have ignited accusations of censorship and raised questions about the role of institutions in facilitating or restricting student expression.
Previously, a landmark change in 2019 had bolstered free speech rights on campus by ensuring outdoor spaces were accessible for protests and other expressive activities. However, the new laws enacted under the “Campus Protection Act” significantly alter this landscape.
Conclusion
This legal challenge underscores the ongoing nationwide discourse regarding free speech in educational settings and the implications of legislative measures on student rights. As the case develops, it remains to be seen how the judiciary will respond to these assertions of free speech violations.
FAQ Section
What prompted the lawsuit against the University of Texas System?
A coalition of students filed a lawsuit against the university system following a pro-Palestine protest on April 24, claiming the new free speech policy is overly restrictive and violates their civil rights.
What are the main features of the new free speech policy?
The new policy prohibits expressive activities from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and during the final two weeks of the semester, reversing prior free speech protections that allowed outdoor spaces to serve as public forums.
Who are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs include students from UT Austin and Dallas, specifically the Young Americans for Liberty at UT Austin, the Fellowship of Christian University Students, and the independent student newspaper “Retrogade” from UT Dallas.
Chart on Key Features of the Free Speech Policy and Lawsuit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Date | April 24 |
| New Policy Enactment | August |
| Ban on Expressive Activities Timing | 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and final two weeks of semester |
| Legislative Act | Senate Bill 2972 – “Campus Protection Act” |
| Previous Policy Established | 2019 |
| Arrests in Protests | Over 150 in April 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Texas Updates Free Speech Policy
Educators Challenge Terminations Over Social Media Posts
Texas Universities Respond to Controversial Student Actions
Texas State University Student Expelled for Mocking Vigil
Protests Erupt at University of Texas Over Free Speech Issues
Big Win for Harvard in Funding Dispute with Trump Administration
Federal Judge Halts Texas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Schools
University of Texas at Austin Faces Criticism for Free Speech Ranking
Texas Faces Federal Lawsuit Over Ten Commandments Displays
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Texas Ten Commandments Law
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- The Daily Texan
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Free Speech in the United States
- Google Search: Free Speech Lawsuit University of Texas
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