AUSTIN, Texas — On Aug. 22, the University of Texas System Board of Regents endorsed an item on free speech, declaring it is not the role of the UT system or any of its institutions to have political or social positions.
This does not apply to students, faculty or staff, but relates to university statements, functions, ceremonies and publications.
This comes after tensions that erupted from multiple pro-Palestine, anti-war protests that stemmed from the school's financial ties to Israel. Those protests resulted in dozens of arrests from both students and non-students – including now-UT sophomore Arwyn Heilrayne, who still feels very strongly despite what happened in the spring.
"First of all, it's something that they're already taking a stance on by funding it. So by funding the genocide, they're taking a stance and refusing to talk about it publicly," Heilrayne said. "You know, host a town hall where the different students who have differing opinions can talk to each other. Let's foster conversation instead of shutting it down. That's what universities are supposed to be for."
KVUE reached out to the University of Texas System for an interview, but the system declined. Instead, we received this statement from Paul Corliss, the associate vice chancellor for External Relations & Communications:
"The University of Texas System’s commitment to free speech and open inquiry is unequivocal and demonstrated by its earlier adoption of the principles set forth in the Chicago Statement on Free Speech.
Similarly, today the Board of Regents endorsed an addition to UT System policy that further ensures that all members of its university communities are free to express their views.
Rooted in the Kalven Report from the University of Chicago, the policy reflects the principle that the institution's role is not to take positions on political, social, or other matters unrelated to its operation but to uphold a community where students, faculty, and staff have the freedom to do so."
Dr. Amy Kristin Sanders is an associate professor of journalism and law at UT Austin, with expertise in freedom of speech. She is optimistic about the item.
"It's challenging as an institution, not only to create an environment that's inclusive and welcoming for your students, but also a climate where intellectual diversity is valued. And so, I think, you know, this policy strikes a nice balance," Sanders said. "The university, if it sticks to the spirit of this policy, will actually do something really good in terms of making it clear to students whose viewpoints may not have been welcome in the past on campus to welcome those viewpoints."
KVUE also reached out to the university's student media organizations to see if this modification will affect them. The director says they have not received any guidance so far.