FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2025
979-251-7888
(AUSTIN, TX) — Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the creation of the Senate and House Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education, and Lt. Gov Patrick named Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) to the Senate committee. This committee aims to address the urgent issues of bias, discourse, and the safeguarding of free speech on Texas college campuses.
“The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion, of speech, of the press, of assembly, and of petition,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “It is the First Amendment because it is the foundation of all our rights. In that list, the free exercise of religion is paramount. Take away a person’s right to free exercise of religion, and every other right falls quickly.”
The creation of these committees is particularly poignant in light of recent events, including the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. This heinous act underscores the growing need to protect our First Amendment rights and foster robust discussions in our educational institutions.
“The political assassination of Charlie Kirk – and the national reaction it has sparked, including the public celebration of his murder by some in higher education – is appalling and reveals a deeper, systemic problem worth examining,” said Speaker Dustin Burrows.
The committee is expected to closely examine the implementation of key reforms established by Senate Bill 37 and Senate Bill 2972, legislation passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session. These legislative measures are crucial as we strive to maintain Texas's reputation as a national leader in safeguarding First Amendment rights on our campuses.
“I am honored to be named to this committee to address the serious climate and problems we face in Texas and across the nation at our higher education institutions,” stated Sen. Kolkhorst on the appointment. “This committee will take a close look at the links between our higher education system and the recent rash of political violence. Specifically, we must acknowledge and uproot the insulated climate of exclusively liberal ideas that have silenced opposing and counterarguments of conservative voices.
“Many parents have expressed concern and now question why they would pay to send their child to a university only to have them indoctrinated with ideals that are contrary to their core family values. This committee will seek solutions that swing the higher education pendulum back to a place where all sides are freely and equally represented, without fear of retribution or discrimination. As a state committed to the principles of open dialogue, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that publicly funded institutions uphold the values of free expression.”
Additional members of the Senate Select Committee include:
Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, Chair
Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Tyler, Vice Chair
Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso
Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels
Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood
Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen
Speaker Burrows has named Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown, as chair of the House’s committee alongside vice chair Rep. Richard Raymond, D-Laredo. Additional members of the House Select Committee include:
Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado
Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo
Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls
Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville
Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston
The House Committee will meet jointly with the Senate Committee during the interim, subject to the call of the Chairs.
###