TCC updated its free speech policies for students and staff to comply with the controversial executive order passed by Governor Abbott on March 27.

The executive order calls for higher education institutions to address anti-Semitism on campuses by updating their free speech policies to define anti-Semitism and enforce punishment for those in violation of the policy.

The order is in response to campus protests due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. It singles out two specific pro-Palestinian campus groups as students to face disciplinary measures. The order has sparked controversy as it questions the validity of students’ right to free speech.

District 2 TCC board member, Shannon Wood said she cannot accept an order she believes is unconstitutional.

“I don’t believe that the governor or any other government should dictate what First
Amendment rights are for any citizen,” Wood said.

In a statement from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, they said: “State- mandated campus censorship violates the First Amendment and will not effectively answer anti-Semitism, by chilling campus speech the executive order threatens to sabotage the transformative power of debate and discussion.”

TCC board of trustees Vice President Kenneth Barr believes that the best of course of action for TCC is to comply with the law.

“We need to meet the governor’s direction,” he said. “Because I think hell and fury will come down on us, frankly, if we don’t.

Marybeth Wolter, a paralegal studies student at NE Campus, said free speech should stick to what the First Amendment says. Wolter believes that the executive order is not in line with the constitution.

“It’s not anything to do with anti-Semitism at all. That’s really just a blanket answer to appeal to his [Abbott’s] voting base,” Wolter said.

The motion to approve the recommended changes to the policy was carried with four votes. The policies were updated for students, employees and the general community.