Governor Greg Abbott has signed a bill into law that beefs up protection of free speech on college campuses. It comes following the recent effort by the Texas State University student government to oust conservative group Turning Point USA from campus.
“I shouldn’t have to do it. The 1st Amendment guarantees it. Now, it’s law in Texas,” Abbott said in a video posted to Twitter Sunday night in which he put his signature on Senate Bill 18.
“Some colleges are banning free speech on college campuses. Well, no more,” he said.
I just signed a law protecting free speech on college campuses. #txlege pic.twitter.com/jHIh8431SH
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 10, 2019
The new protections include banning schools or student organizations from denying services based on a certain political viewpoint, as well as the implementation of sanctions for students, on-campus activist groups, or faculty members who interfere with free speech rallies.
Universities will have until 2020 submit a formal implementation plan.
