AUSTIN, Texas (KXXV) — Texas legislative leaders have formed a bipartisan committee to address free speech and civil discourse on college campuses following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The Joint Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education held its first hearing Thursday, led by Senate Chair Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, and House Chair Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows established the committee after Kirk's death on Sept. 10.
"Political assassination cannot be condoned in this country, period," Bettencourt said during the hearing. "What we're doing here today is about finding common ground and standing firm that political violence and intimidation have no place in Texas."
Wilson said the committee aims to ensure Texas public universities "uphold the rule of law, safeguard free expression, and protect every student's right to learn in an environment free from fear."
University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that the university expects, "every student is able to engage in speech on our campus" and will not tolerate disruptions.
Ricky Adam, a regional representative for Turning Point USA, delivered emotional testimony honoring Kirk's legacy and announced plans to establish the organization's presence in Texas high schools.
"Charlie was a standard bearer for freedom of speech and he believed in it dearly," Adam said. "For that courage, he gave everything, including his life."
Adam described alleged censorship at Texas high schools, saying staff shut down student-led free speech efforts. He announced plans to establish Turning Point USA or Club America chapters in every Texas high school.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million to support Turning Point USA's expansion efforts in Texas.
"We were appalled to hear examples from our education system where hostile public employees worked to block these efforts," Bettencourt said. "This will not be tolerated in Texas."
The committee includes Senate Vice Chair Bryan Hughes and House Vice Chair Richard Raymond, along with members from both chambers.
University presidents, law enforcement officials and student leaders provided testimony during the hearing.
The committee will continue evaluating testimony and drafting legislation to strengthen free speech protections across Texas higher education institutions in coming months.
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