By Ethan Thompson, Policy Committee Chair   

Free speech: the concept that connects all Americans together. It is a right that most Americans do not think twice about on a daily basis, even when they are using it. However, free speech is one of the most important rights that we all share. Freedom of speech is a privilege that not everyone has access to worldwide, but Americans are guaranteed the freedom of  expression, press, assembly, religion and petition. This privilege has allowed America to become a land of hope and a melting pot of  different cultures, all united under the belief in this fundamental freedom. America has  progressed because of citizens voicing their demands for change, as seen with women’s right to vote, civil rights for Black Americans and the recent right of marriage for LGBTQ+ couples. These changes would not be possible without Americans using their voice to demand the  United States do better and progress into the future, not tomorrow, but today. 

Similarly, free speech is what students at The University of Texas at Austin use every day to push to change the world and progress, as is seen with UT’s motto, “What Starts Here  Changes The World.” This culture of free speech is strengthened by some of the first words told to UT students on the UT Tower saying, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” which shows the importance of looking for the truth and embracing all that comes with free speech. In fact, UT Austin students are known nationwide for having these hard discussions and not being afraid to speak out when they  demand change not only on campus, but throughout the world.  

With recent events on campus, this is evident. But as college students, how can students use their free speech on campus legally and safely? As a public institution, The University of Texas at Austin must allow students to express themselves freely, even if their opinions are disliked by others. However, UT Austin has set multiple rules and guidelines related to the place, time and manner in which students use their freedom of speech. The UT System Board of time and manner in which students use their freedom of speech. The UT System Board of  Regents states that, “Speech and expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of any UT institution,” are not allowed. These guidelines on free speech go into more specifics on UT’s website, “Chapter 13: Speech, Expression, Assembly,” which  provides more details on forms of assembly and more. Students wanting to protest, petition the school, or speak freely without worrying about the consequences should read these guidelines to understand how to effectively and safely use their free speech on campus. Knowing these guidelines can help students make smart  choices when expressing their demands for change and  keep campus a safe place for all students, even when using their voices for change.   

One way that The University of Texas at Austin and Moody College of Communication celebrate free speech is through Free Speech Week every year. Free Speech Week is a recent addition to Moody College that aims to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of speech and of the press in the United States democracy, and to celebrate that freedom with students. This event occurs every year on the third week of October, and is slated for  October 21 - 27, 2024.  

Throughout that week, Moody College will be holding panels with professors, students and other individuals in the free speech space and a video contest for students to share their views on free speech for cash prizes. This week comes right before the United States election in  November, which is sure to spark the desire for students to express their opinions and use their free speech more than in other years. While students may be more expressive this fall, it is important to respect others’ opinions, and to be aware of how to use free speech without  restricting this important right we all share.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of September 2nd, 2024, The University of Texas System Board of Regents has banned the UT system, its 14 universities, and health-related institutions across the state from adopting any political or social positions through “official university statements, functions, ceremonies, and publications.” The Board of Regents added new language to the system’s statement on freedom of speech and expression on August 22nd, stating, “Institutions should not, in their official capacity, issue or express positions on issues of the day, however appealing they may be to some members of the university community.” With this new change, individual faculty, staff, or students' freedom of speech will not be affected; instead, it will only affect the UT System’s ability to make official remarks on political or social issues. Freedom of speech will still be a protected right for all students on campus if they follow the guidelines stated in UT’s website, “Chapter 13: Speech, Expression, Assembly.”