SAN MARCOS, Texas — For Texas State University student Zachariyah Al-Natoor, standing up for Palestinian liberation is a calling.
"It's disgusting to see my home get destroyed," Al-Natoor said. "It brings me to tears every time – the amount of people, spending their day, their time out, speaking out against the cause. And it's very empowering."
He now fears that call to action is threatened after Texas State changed its free speech policy in June to comply with an executive order from the governor.
Issued a few months ago, the order requires colleges and universities to review and update their free speech policies to include the definition of antisemitism and to establish punishments for antisemitic speech and acts on campus. The order also says groups like the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine should be disciplined for violating the policies.
Texas State's updated policy includes a definition of antisemitism. In general, anyone who violates the university's free speech policy could face anything from a warning to expulsion through the Dean of Students Office.
Al-Natoor fears the new policy could affect his ability to freely protest.
"The policy talks about equating anything relating to Palestine solidarity as antisemitic acts. And I guarantee the free speech policy is going to fall within those same boundaries and so it's impossible," Al-Natoor said.
But Rabbi Ari Weingarten, who serves as a spiritual leader for Texas State students, said the new policy is protecting students who are the target of hatred.
"This is a group that has been known for being picked on over the years, and over here, you're giving them a voice to say that it's not a nonchalant comment. It's something that needs to be taken seriously and it strengthens the Jewish students," Weingarten said.
KVUE reached out to Texas State for an interview. The university declined but sent this statement:
"Texas State remains committed to upholding the First Amendment and respects individuals’ rights to express their views through all forms of legally protected speech. The university is following and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, GA-44."