Calling out what they see as an infringement on free speech, students at the University of Texas campuses at Austin and Dallas have taken their fight to federal court, challenging a new state law that bans campus expressions after hours that had previously been allowed.
They’re filing a suit against new law Senate Bill 2972 that bans expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. The main prohibitions of this law are amplified sound, percussion instruments, and invited speakers during the final two weeks of academic terms. These students, backed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), argue the law violates their constitutional rights.
FIRE claims students could be punished for everything from wearing politically themed clothing to attending candlelight vigils or celebrating a football win. “The First Amendment doesn’t set when the sun goes down,” said FIRE attorney JT Morris.
FOR SOME, ‘REGULAR ACTIVITIES’ MAY BE BANNED
For student organizations, the stakes are real and they’re personal. The Fellowship of Christian University Students (FOCUS) regularly invites pastors onto campus to lead prayer sessions during finals week—now potentially banned. UT Dallas’ independent student newspaper, The Retrograde, often works late into the night to report breaking news.
“We’re at risk of being shut down simply for posting news as it happens,” said Editor-in-Chief Gregorio Olivares Gutierrez. Other activities at risk include “free speech balls” and evening protests organized by various student groups, as well as concerts and performances typically held during the proscribed hours.
Students at UT Austin have been in the spotlight more than once over the years for high-profile acts of protest and political unrest. Most recently, in April 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrations escalated into multi-day encampments on the South Lawn, prompting the deployment of state troopers in riot gear and resulting in over 130 arrests.
The UT System declined to comment to reporters from KSN. Many are watching this case closely, because it could reshape how public institutions manage freedom of speech.
As the case heads to the U.S. District Court in Austin, students are asking for a temporary injunction to halt enforcement.
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