Only 30% of UT–Austin students surveyed by ACTA say the administration clearly protects free speech on campus.
The University of Texas (UT)–Austin is struggling to protect and foster free expression on campus. In 2021, a new academic center dedicated to the study and promotion of the U.S. Constitution, free markets, and individual liberty was met with significant pushback from the university community. In 2020, a U.S. circuit court judge had to order UT–Austin to disband its bias response teams and delete its Hate and Bias Incident Policy. Before that, the 112th Student Government Assembly approved a resolution urging the institution to adopt the Chicago Principles, but university leaders have yet to act.
The University of Texas–Austin does not meet the ACTA Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression™, but it could with your encouragement. Together, we can help our country’s best schools to nourish a culture of free expression on campus. By taking steps such as adding a program in free expression to student orientation, implementing policies and procedures to support viewpoint diversity, and adopting the Chicago Principles, the University of Texas–Austin would improve education for its students today and for generations to come.
“The only way to figure out what is true, valuable and morally right is through thought and discussion. Freedom of speech is the path, not the problem. And it is vital that our institutions of higher learning understand that and make it known to all those whom we serve.”
Jay Hartzell
President of University of Texas–AustinIf you’re concerned about the direction UT-Austin is headed, sign up today to receive updates on our efforts to protect free expression and intellectual diversity on campus.
Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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