1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I oppose SB 2972. Please vote NO on this harmful bill. This bill strips away the right to protest, organize, and speak freely in public places on university campuses. SB 2972 replaces free speech protections with vague restrictions on speech that are controversial. This bill harms our young adult population by taking away their opportunity to experience true democracy in action. A university is where the young generations can learn by freedom to participate in democracy. It is the place for young people to learn the responsibility of participation in a safe environment with welcoming experiences. I know this from being a college teacher for 50+ years. Wise counsel from instructors and their guidance teaches students to become wise critical thinkers themselves. Restricting free speech does not achieve that. It prevents it. This is a shameful and destructive bill. It makes me ashamed to be a Texan. Please vote no on SB 2972.