Photo Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz (NASA-JSC/ROBERT MARKOWITZ)
Texas Senate Bill 2972, also known as the “Campus Protection Act,” was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June 2025 and officially went into effect on September 1, 2025. Under the law, no expressive activities are allowed in colleges between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Due to this, the law is already surrounded by controversy, with many students and even college faculty raising concerns over this new bill.
Why The Backlash?
Students from campuses across Texas argue that the new legislation undermines their First Amendment rights. The ban on expressive activities includes religious gatherings, protests, or even casual events like singing and dancing. The restrictions also prohibit students from wearing clothing with messages or symbols and from giving speeches during those hours, leaving many concerned that the law silences student voices and creativity.
These concerns have already led to legal action: at the University of Texas at Dallas, students filed a lawsuit against the University of Texas System, claiming the law violates their rights to free speech and assembly. They are backed by the nonprofit group FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), which has described the ban as a “curfew on free speech.” Critics argue that the law not only limits personal expression, but also discourages student-led discussions on politics, social issues, and cultural identity. They also claim it limits opportunities for students to engage in campus life and socialize with each other.
Support For The Law
While many have voiced concerns over the bill’s First Amendment implications, supporters argue that the bill is intended to maintain safety and order on college campuses. Lawmakers say that the restrictions on overnight activities help prevent disruptions during late-night hours when staff and security are limited. Also, by setting clear time and place rules for protests and gatherings, the law allows universities to balance students’ freedom of expression with the need to keep academic spaces safe and functional.
An Ongoing Debate
Texas Senate Bill 2927 has already changed the way students interact on campus, with some adjusting their activities to fit the rules while others choose to push back through protest and lawsuits. Supporters continue to argue that the law is necessary to ensure the safety of campus environments, while critics view the newly-instated restrictions as a direct challenge to their First Amendment freedoms. For now, discussions and debates over the law continue, and how they play out could shape campus life in Texas for years to come.
Sources:
https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/09/04/ut-students-sue-university-system-protest-ban
https://www.thefire.org/news/lawsuit-texas-bans-first-amendment-public-universities-after-dark
