In recent days, Texas Tech University has come under fire by free speech advocates over its decision to cancel programs — and a first amendment lawsuit filed by a student after she was disciplined in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death. The university system will shutter its programs focusing on gender identity and sexuality, according […]
Tag: Free Speech
Posted inOpinion
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
I remember meeting Ya’akub Vijandre a little more than two years ago. We were at the first Dallas protest held in the aftermath of Israel’s bloody siege of Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. This was back when I was still working with Dallas Weekly and Ya’akub was gathering content for his […]
Posted inPolitics
Gov. Abbott Admitted to Purging ‘Leftist’ Professors. People Are Calling It the ‘Definition of Fascism.’
Gov. Greg Abbott admitted in an X post on Sunday that Texas is purging professors with “leftist ideologies” — and people are not happy. Abbott’s directive fits into a pattern of faculty changes and government interference on campuses across the state, including the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Texas State University. […]
Posted inOpinion
Ken Paxton Compared Charlie Kirk to Jesus — Then Used Him as an Excuse to Crush Free Speech
In the conservative Christian movement, Charlie Kirk was more than a far-right activist — to many, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, the self-described free speech advocate who founded Turning Point USA was a martyr who died for his cause. That sentiment was on full display Tuesday night at an event organized by the Texas Tech […]
Posted inOpinion
The Free Speech Crisis for Black Americans Is Worse Than You Think
America, we have a problem. In the weeks since the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, historically Black colleges and universities have experienced terroristic threats, Black students have been expelled or withdrawn for expressing their first amendment rights, and prominent Black journalists have been fired for social media posts. That’s a big news story, […]
Posted inNews
You Can Fly Almost Any Flag at Austin Pride. Except a Palestinian One.
EXCLUSIVE At Austin’s Pride Parade in August, while rainbow-painted police horses stood guard and brightly decorated floats passed by, officers tackled two men, using kicks and pressure points to pin their bodies to the ground. They were taken to jail on charges of ignoring law enforcement commands and resisting arrest. They were the first arrests […]