TCC updated its free speech policies for students and staff to address the controversial
On March 27, Governor Abbot issued an executive order.
The executive order calls on universities to combat anti-Semitism on campus
by updating their freedom of expression policies to define anti-Semitism and enforce penalties for those
in violation of the directive.
The order is a response to protests on campus over the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza. It provides for disciplinary action against two specific pro-Palestinian campus groups. The order has sparked controversy as it questions the validity of students’ right to free speech.
Shannon Wood, TCC board member for District 2, said she could not accept an order that she believed
unconstitutional.
“I don’t think the governor or any other government should dictate what First
“The right to propose amendments is available to every citizen,” Wood said.
In a statement, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said: “Government-mandated censorship on campus violates the First Amendment and is not an effective response to anti-Semitism. By restricting free speech on campus, the Executive Order threatens to
transformative power of debate and discussion.”
Kenneth Barr, Vice President of the TCC Board of Trustees, believes the best course of action for TCC is to comply with the law.
“We have to follow the governor’s orders,” he said. “Because if we don’t, I believe hell and wrath will come upon us.”
Marybeth Wolter, a law student at the NE Campus, said freedom of speech should be limited to what
is in the First Amendment. Wolter believes that the Executive Order is unconstitutional.
“This has nothing to do with anti-Semitism. This is actually just a blanket answer to
his (Abbott’s) voter base,” Wolter said.
The motion to approve the recommended amendments to the Directive was rejected with four
Voices. Policies have been updated for students, staff and the general public.
