AUSTIN, Texas — A federal judge has temporarily blocked parts of a Texas law that restricts expression on university campuses. U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra issued the order halting enforcement of specific provisions that ban overnight demonstrations and limit protest activities, including the use of amplified sound and drums during the final two weeks of the semester.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 2972, which prohibits “expressive activity” on campus between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Student groups contend the law violates their First Amendment rights by imposing excessive restrictions on free speech and assembly.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) filed the suit on behalf of the students. Judge Ezra determined that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in proving the law infringes on constitutional protections, leading to a temporary injunction.
The decision affects universities within the Texas system, particularly the University of Texas, where the restrictions were set to take effect. Lawmakers had defended the measure as a way to prevent disruptions to academic operations.
Judge Ezra’s order highlights the ongoing national debate over free speech on college campuses and the balance between maintaining order and protecting constitutional rights. The court will continue to review the law’s constitutionality in the coming months.
