Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Burrows Announce Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education, Honoring the Life & Legacy of Charlie Kirk

AUSTIN, Texas - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows today announced the formation of Senate and House Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education. These select 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 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 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 Dustin 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. This committee 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 following members have been appointed to the Senate Select Committee on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education:

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, Chair
Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Tyler, Vice Chair
Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso
Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels
Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham

During the 89th Regular Legislative 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 committee 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 committee's work will help ensure Texas remains a national leader in protecting First Amendment rights.