Legal News
Latest updates from Houston & Texas
Free Speech News
Legal and political developments related to Free Speech, analyzed from a civil rights perspective.
Articles tagged "Free Speech"
UT Regents' New Policy Raises Free Speech, Academic Freedom Questions
The University of Texas System regents approved a policy limiting "unnecessarily controversial subjects," sparking significant legal concerns. Critics argue the vague language threatens academic freedom and free speech, potentially leading to self-censorship among faculty and impacting student education quality.
Texas Tech Cancels Abortion Talk, Sparking Free Speech and Academic Freedom Debate
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center canceled a medical talk on late-pregnancy abortion care after activist pressure, despite state law clarifying that such discussions are not restricted. This incident sparks significant legal questions about academic freedom and free speech on public campuses, as well as the interpretation of Texas's abortion statutes.
Texas Primaries: When Social Media Meets Election Law
The 2026 Texas primaries are highlighting the profound influence of social media drama and online influencers on voter behavior. This trend forces a re-examination of free speech limits, the potential for misinformation, and whether existing election laws are adequate for the digital age.
Texas State Lecturer's Exit Sparks Free Speech Debate for Public Employees
A Texas State University lecturer is no longer employed after a public outcry over a harsh Facebook message, sparking questions about free speech rights for public employees. The incident highlights the complex legal balance universities must strike between individual constitutional protections and institutional responsibilities.
Texas A&M Sued by Professor: Free Speech, Due Process at Stake in Gender Identity Lesson Case
A former Texas A&M lecturer, Melissa McCoul, is suing the university system, alleging her firing over a gender identity lesson violated her First Amendment free speech and due process rights. Her federal lawsuit claims political pressure led to her termination, highlighting broader concerns about academic freedom and public policy impacts on Texas universities. This case challenges the line between political influence and educational autonomy.
Texas Officials Crack Down on Student Protests, Sparking Free Speech Debate and Legal Threats
Texas state leaders are targeting student walkouts protesting ICE detention, threatening schools, teachers, and students with severe penalties like funding cuts, license revocations, and district takeovers. This situation raises significant legal questions regarding student free speech rights under the First Amendment, the balance of power between state authorities and local education, and due process for individuals involved in such demonstrations.
Texas Tech's New Curriculum Rules Spark Academic Freedom Concerns
New rules at Texas Tech on teaching race, gender, and sexuality are sparking claims of censorship from instructors, raising significant questions about academic freedom and First Amendment protections in public education. This policy shift challenges the scope of state oversight versus faculty autonomy in curriculum development.
Texas A&M Axes Gender Studies Program, Raising Legal Questions on Academic Freedom
Texas A&M University has eliminated its women's and gender studies degree program, citing low enrollment and cost. This decision follows a campus-wide review sparked by a viral video and a new Board of Regents policy restricting discussions on race and gender ideology, raising significant legal questions about academic freedom and state influence over public university curricula.
Texas Colleges Face Legal Scrutiny Over Course Content Restrictions
New state policies restricting instruction on race, gender, and sexuality are prompting significant course changes in Texas public universities. These directives raise serious questions about academic freedom, free speech rights for both educators and students, and the extent of legislative influence over university curricula, shaping public policy in higher education.
Texas Policymakers Address Free Speech, Public Health, and Local Governance
Ongoing discussions in Texas address critical legal and policy matters, ranging from First Amendment protections for educators and public health vaccination guidelines to local government's infrastructure and safety initiatives. These debates highlight the intersection of constitutional rights, state laws, and local governance in shaping the lives of Houston and Texas residents.
Texas Teachers' Union Challenges State Education Agency Over Social Media Speech Investigations, Citing First Amendment Concerns
The Texas American Federation of Teachers has filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency and Commissioner Mike Morath, alleging that state-led investigations into educators' social media posts about Charlie Kirk's death violate First Amendment free speech rights. The union seeks to halt these investigations and compel new guidance clarifying protected speech, arguing that current directives are vague, overbroad, and have created a chilling effect on educators' expression. This case will critically examine the balance between public employee speech rights and government authority to regulate professional conduct within Texas' public education system.