By: Creighton S.C.R. No. 36
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Public universities are institutions dedicated to
fostering the pursuit of knowledge, the free exchange of ideas, and
the maintenance of public safety and order on campus; and
WHEREAS, In response to recent international events,
including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, universities
across the United States have seen a wave of protests, some of which
have escalated into disruptive occupations and unlawful takeovers
of university property, threatening public safety and undermining
the educational mission of these institutions; and
WHEREAS, Reports from prominent institutions such as
Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of
California system indicate that similar incidents of disruptive
protests have occurred nationwide during the same period,
highlighting a growing trend of attempts to seize control of
university spaces under the guise of protest; and
WHEREAS, The University of Texas and other public
institutions in the state have experienced similar protests,
including attempts to occupy administrative offices, disrupt
normal campus operations, and unlawfully seize property, putting
the safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk; and
WHEREAS, The occupation or takeover of university property
undermines the rule of law, compromises the mission of public
universities, and violates the rights of individuals who depend on
a secure and stable learning environment; and
WHEREAS, Texas public universities, funded by taxpayer
dollars, have a duty to uphold order, protect property, and ensure
lawful and peaceful use of campus spaces; and
WHEREAS, The State of Texas is committed to maintaining the
rule of law and preserving the integrity of its public institutions
of higher learning; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby urge all public universities in Texas to adopt and enforce
stringent policies that explicitly prohibit the occupation,
seizure, or unlawful disruption of university property, including
academic buildings, administrative offices, public spaces, and the
replacement of university sanctioned flags; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge all public
universities in Texas to coordinate with local and state law
enforcement to respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to
occupy or disrupt campus property, ensuring the safety of all
individuals and the uninterrupted operation of university
activities; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge university
administrations to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the
constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly while
making clear that unlawful actions, including the occupation or
takeover of property, will not be tolerated and will result in
appropriate disciplinary and legal actions; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the governing boards of all public
universities in Texas, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, and the office of the governor, as an expression of the Texas
Legislature's intent to protect the integrity, safety, and order of
Texas public universities.