Gov. Abbott calls for universities to update free speech policies, discipline violators to address antisemitism on campuses – The Daily Texan

Gov. Greg Abbott called for public universities to review and update free speech policies, and punish potential violators of these policies, in an executive order on Wednesday.

Abbott called the rapid increase of antisemitism at public universities after Hamass Oct. 7 attack particularly concerning in the order. He noted graffiti on Jewish buildings and parking lots and the use of phrases like from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free at student organization-led protests as examples of antisemitism.

Antisemitic incidents increased nationwide by 360% between Oct. 7 and Jan. 7, according to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that aims to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.

Abbott said universities should establish appropriate punishments for policy violations, including expulsion from institutions. He named UTs Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine, a national organization with chapters at multiple Texas universities, as potential violators in the order.

Each public university system is required to report with documentation the actions theyve taken to comply with the order to the Office of the Governor within the next 90 days, the executive order said.

The University declined to comment.

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Gov. Abbott calls for universities to update free speech policies, discipline violators to address antisemitism on campuses - The Daily Texan