MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2025
Contact: Sarah Leon
Sarah.leon@senate.texas.gov
ICYMI: Senate Chair Bettencourt and House Chair Wilson to Lead Joint Hearing on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education

AUSTIN, TX — Senate Chair Paul Bettencourt (R–Houston) and House Chair Terry Wilson (R–Georgetown) will co-chair a joint hearing of the Senate and House Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education appointed by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Thursday, November 13, at 9:30 a.m. in Room E1.036 of the Texas Capitol Extension.

WHO: Senate Select Committee on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education
  • Senator Paul Bettencourt (Chair), Senator Bryan Hughes (Vice-Chair) & Senators César Blanco, Donna Campbell, Bob Hall, Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Lois Kolkhorst
House Select Committee on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education
  • Representative Terry Wilson (Chair), Representative Richard Peña Raymond (Vice-Chair) & Representatives Brad Buckley, Caroline Fairly, James Frank, Shelby Slawson, Senfronia Thompson
WHAT: Joint Hearing on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education
WHEN: Thursday, November 13, 2025 – 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Texas State Capitol Extension, Room E1.036, Austin, TX

The joint committee will convene to hear invited testimony on:

  • Promoting civil discourse and freedom of speech across Texas college campuses, while protecting students and faculty from undue administrative censorship;
  • Overview of Senate Bill 37 and the implementation of Senate Bill 2972 - 89R Session; and
  • Identifying strategies to enhance campus security and ensure the safety of the public during academic, public, and social gatherings.

Testimony is limited to invited witnesses, but public input is strongly encouraged. Texas residents may submit electronic comments at: https://comments.house.texas.gov/home?c=c052

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