Texas AG Leads Coalition Demanding Universities Uphold Free Speech Following Incident at Utah University
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, joined by a coalition of other state attorneys general, has urged universities nationwide to actively defend free speech on campus, following an incident involving Charlie kirk during a speaking engagement at a Utah university. A letter sent to institutions across the country, dated September 22nd, calls for consistent submission of security protocols and fee structures for student groups hosting speakers of all political viewpoints.
The letter, available publicly on the Texas Attorney General’s website, emphasizes the importance of neutrality when considering security fees levied to protect speakers and student organizations. It specifically requests universities treat conservative groups the same as liberal groups when assessing these costs.
“Not everyone will agree with every speaker that your institutions host,” the letter states. “But that is exactly the point.”
The University of Texas at Austin confirmed receipt of the letter and stated it is indeed currently in compliance with it’s requests. UT’s free speech policies, outlined in its catalogue, already prohibit discrimination based on “political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic controversy” when determining security fees. The University retains the authority to decide if police protection is necessary for events, consulting with organizers beforehand.
According to UT’s rules, security fees are to be calculated based on the number of officers required for a comparable, uncontroversial event of similar size, location, and time.
The attorneys general’s letter further calls on universities to establish “clear protocols for event approval and protecting speakers,” and to ensure security regulations are transparent, avoiding “broad administrative discretion” in fee setting.
“Particularly at this moment, it is critical our state institutions of higher learning serve as forums for robust debate from all perspectives,” the letter concludes. “The campus should be the very place where the First Amendment rings loudest for all to hear.”
Paxton’s office did not respond to requests for further comment.This action underscores a growing national focus on protecting free speech rights on college campuses, a debate often centered on ensuring a platform for diverse perspectives and maintaining a safe habitat for open discourse.
