AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick today announced the formation of House and Senate Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education. These committees will meet jointly to study and issue reports on bias, discourse, and freedom of speech across Texas college campuses. The State of Texas has a responsibility to ensure its publicly funded institutions foster open dialogue and do not discriminate against students, faculty, or staff based on their beliefs.
“The political assassination of Charlie Kirk—and the national reaction it has sparked, including the public celebration of his murder by some in higher education—is appalling and reveals a deeper, systemic problem worth examining,” said Speaker Burrows. “This disturbing reality underscores the urgency of creating these committees. Charlie dedicated his life to open, respectful dialogue with those he disagreed, and that approach is something we should all celebrate and fight to protect. These committees will help identify ways to better protect the fundamental right of free speech on our campuses, including measures to ensure political gatherings are safe and secure, and its recommendations will guide the Legislature’s policy decisions moving forward.”
“The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion, of speech, of the press, of assembly, and of petition,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “It is the First Amendment because it is the foundation of all our rights. In that list, the free exercise of religion is paramount. Take away a person’s right to free exercise of religion and every other right falls quickly. Charlie Kirk was my friend. He was assassinated for simply expressing his First Amendment rights. The attack on Charlie was an attack on the First Amendment. Those who cheered his murder are also cheering for the death of America. We cannot tolerate either at our institutions of higher learning.”
The following members have been appointed to the House Select Committee on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education:
- Representative Terry Wilson, Chair
- Representative Richard Raymond, Vice-Chair
- Representative Brad Buckley
- Representative Caroline Fairly
- Representative James Frank
- Representative Shelby Slawson
- Representative Senfronia Thompson
During the 89th Regular Session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 37 and Senate Bill 2972, providing meaningful reforms to the governance and oversight of Texas higher education institutions. As those reforms are implemented, the committees will examine the implementation of SB 37 and SB 2972, especially as it relates to the climate of discourse and freedom of speech on campus. The committees’ work will help ensure Texas remains a national leader in protecting First Amendment rights.