Texas lawmakers trying to muzzle campus protests have just passed one of the most ridiculous anti-speech laws in the country. If signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Senate Bill 2972 would ban speech at night — from study groups to newspaper reporting — at public universities in the state.
Ironically, the bill builds on a previous law passed in 2019 meant to enshrine free speech on Texas campuses. But now, lawmakers want to crack down on college students’ pro-Palestinian protests so badly that they literally passed a prohibition on talking.
We’re not exaggerating. SB 2972 would require public universities in Texas to adopt policies prohibiting “engaging in expressive activities on campus between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.” Expressive activity includes “any speech or expressive conduct” protected by the First Amendment or Texas Constitution.
The overnight ban on expressive activities is unfathomably broad. Off the top of our heads, here are just a few examples of what such a policy would prohibit on campus between 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.: Meeting with other students to socialize or study, writing an email, working on a research paper, posting on social media, reporting for the student newspaper, wearing a T-shirt with a slogan, dancing, playing music, painting a picture, or praying at a sunrise service.
People are horrified after a sitting senator mocked the deaths of a Democratic lawmaker and her husband, who were assassinated over the weekend.
“This is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way,” wrote U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) on social media, along with a photo of the alleged killer.
Local Minnesota news outlet KARE interviewed Boelter’s roommate and alleged best friend, David Carlson. Carlson said that Boelter was a strong supporter of the president, despite numerous right-wing social media posts by transphobic billionaire Elon Musk and other conservative politicians claiming that Boelter was a left-wing “Marxist” because he once served on a bipartisan board under Gov. Tim Walz (D).
Democratic groups and lawmakers, as well as some conservatives, expressed their disgust for Lee’s comment, which both makes light of these tragic deaths and spreads misinformation.
“He is one of YOU,” wrote Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA). “Get A Life.”
Cannot do homework after dark sounds great! But whoops. You can't do fun stuff either. Just go to bed.Loading…
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What, and I cannot stress this enough, the hug?!
“This is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way,” wrote U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) on social media, along with a photo of the alleged killer.