In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s tragic killing, some students across Texas expressed views that were offensive to many. But rather than upholding the constitutional right to free speech, state leaders responded with a crackdown on student expression. This week, lawmakers will hold a hearing on campus speech, with a clear goal of increasing political oversight of what students can and cannot say.

We believe the First Amendment is not a partisan issue. Universities should be spaces where difficult conversations are allowed to happen. That includes speech we may find upsetting or distasteful. Punishing students for expressing themselves, especially through vague accusations of "mocking" or "celebrating" violence, opens the door to dangerous censorship.

Already, a student at Texas State University was forced to withdraw after his social media post about Kirk went viral. Legal experts say his post, while offensive to many, was likely protected speech. But the pressure from Governor Greg Abbott and others was enough to remove him from school. Now lawmakers are proposing more restrictions under the banner of civil discourse, despite federal judges already blocking similar laws on First Amendment grounds.

This isn’t about one incident. It’s about whether students in Texas can speak freely without fear of political punishment. College campuses should not become surveillance zones where young people are silenced for unpopular opinions.

We call on the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott to stop the political overreach and commit to protecting free expression on public university campuses. Students do not give up their constitutional rights when they step onto school grounds. We urge lawmakers to reject any new policies that seek to limit protected speech or target students for expressing dissenting views.

Let Texas be a leader in civil discourse by defending freedom of thought, not punishing it. Sign this petition to demand that our universities remain spaces of open debate, not political control.

Photo: Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune