Texas Forms Select Committees on Civil Discourse and Free Speech in Wake of Charlie Kirk Assassination

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced Friday the creation of joint select committees in the Texas Senate and House of Representatives to examine issues of civil discourse and freedom of speech across the state’s colleges and universities. The announcement comes in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose life and work in defense of open dialogue and the First Amendment were highlighted by both leaders.

The Senate and House Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education will convene jointly to study and issue reports on bias, discourse, and free expression across public college campuses. According to Patrick and Burrows, the move underscores the state’s responsibility to ensure that its publicly funded institutions foster open dialogue and do not discriminate against students, faculty, or staff based on their beliefs.

“The First Amendment guarantees the freedom of religion, of speech, of the press, of assembly, and of petition,” Patrick said in announcing the committees. “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. Charlie Kirk was my friend. He was assassinated for simply expressing his First Amendment rights. The attack on Charlie was an attack on the First Amendment. Those who cheered his murder are also cheering for the death of America. We cannot tolerate either at our institutions of higher learning.”

Speaker Burrows echoed those concerns, pointing to what he called a “systemic problem” revealed in the public response to Kirk’s death. “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,” Burrows said. “Charlie dedicated his life to open, respectful dialogue with those he disagreed, and that approach is something we should all celebrate and fight to protect. This committee will help identify ways to better protect the fundamental right of free speech on our campuses, including measures to ensure political gatherings are safe and secure, and its recommendations will guide the Legislature’s policy decisions moving forward.”

The Senate Select Committee will be chaired by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, with Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Tyler, serving as vice chair. Additional members include Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso; Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels; Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; and Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham. The House will announce its committee members in the coming days.

This announcement follows recent legislative reforms aimed at reshaping higher education governance and oversight. During the 89th Regular Legislative Session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 37 and Senate Bill 2972, both of which introduced measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in Texas colleges and universities. The new committees will now review how these reforms are being implemented, with a particular focus on their impact on campus climate, discourse, and the protection of free speech.

Supporters of the committees see them as part of Texas’ broader effort to position itself as a national leader in defending First Amendment rights. At the heart of this effort, Patrick and Burrows said, is ensuring that institutions of higher education remain places where students and faculty can openly exchange ideas without fear of retaliation or violence.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot earlier this week while speaking at a Utah university. The attack, described by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” has prompted widespread condemnation from leaders across the country. Texas officials noted that the creation of these committees is not only a policy response but also a tribute to Kirk’s legacy of advocacy for civil discourse and free expression.

As the committees begin their work, they are expected to hold hearings, gather testimony, and deliver recommendations to the Legislature ahead of the next session. The findings could shape future policies aimed at protecting both free speech and safety on Texas campuses.