Texas Higher Education Coalition Urges Lawmakers to Protect Academic Freedom

A coalition of Texas students, faculty, and community advocates is urging lawmakers to protect academic freedom, expand access and student choice, and invest in higher education as the Texas House Higher Education Committee holds interim hearings.

What is the coalition asking lawmakers to do?

As the Texas House Higher Education Committee considers the state of higher education during interim hearings on August 17 and 18, a coalition of students, faculty, and community advocates is calling for policies that strengthen Texas universities and expand opportunities for students.

The coaliton is urging lawmakers to prioritize meaningful access to higher education, academic freedom, broad educational opportunities, faculty participation in university governance, and investment in students and faculty.

The group argues that students should have meaningful choices about what they study and that universities should be able to offer courses and programs based on academic value, student demand, workforce needs, and faculty expertise rather than political pressure.

The coalition also called for stronger advising, mentorship, and other support services to help students enroll, remain in college, graduate, and enter the workforce.

The coalition advocates for academic freedom.

The coalition described academic freedom as essential to a strong university system, saying students and faculty should be able to examine controversial ideas, conduct research, teach, and participate in debate without political interference.

It also called for faculty to have an independent voice in decisions involving curriculum, academic standards, and the educational mission of universities.

The Coalition: "Texas can - and must - build a higher education system where every student has the opportunity to learn, every faculty member can teach and research freely, and every institution can compete and thrive."

The coalition argues that academic freedom, student access, and strong universities are directly connected to Texas' workforce and economic goals.

It warned that narrowing education opportunities and weakening programs could make it harder for Texas to retain faculty and students and compete for talent, research and innovation.