Students can generally peacefully protest, regardless of their viewpoint, but colleges and authorities may enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order.
UT-Austin Protests
Demonstrations supporting Palestinians turned chaotic at the University of Texas at Austin in spring 2024 as protesters and students clashed with school officials and law enforcement. More than 100 people were arrested. Leaders accused demonstrators of trying to disrupt campus, while protesters criticized law enforcement’s use of force.
UT-Austin spares pro-Palestinian protesters from suspension, offers them probation instead
Some students were relieved they were offered a type of academic probation that would allow them to remain in classes.
Muslim advocacy group sues Abbott, saying university executive order violates free speech
Abbott’s executive order directs Texas universities to “review and update free speech policies to address the sharp rise in antisemitic speech.”
Revisiting the protest movements at the University of Texas
Protests have been a century-long tradition at UT-Austin, and The Daily Texan, the student newspaper, has faithfully covered and recorded these significant historical events.
UT-Austin lecturer arrested and fired after confrontation with police at pro-Palestinian demonstration
The lecturer’s lawyer disputes the charges, and the university’s decision to fire him has raised concerns from faculty over free speech protections.
Here’s why UT and A&M are unlikely to divest from Israel
Protesting students and staff want to draw attention to public university investments in companies supporting Israel, even if divestment is unlikely in Texas.
UT-Austin student protesters balance end-of-year work with fallout from police crackdowns
Many students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations fear their involvement might affect their plans for after college.
UT-Austin says protesters carried guns and assaulted people. One person has received a weapons charge.
School officials have suggested there was planned violence at the protests, but one local prosecutor has raised doubts.
UT-Austin’s Jay Hartzell praised by GOP leaders as university presidents nationwide take heat over protest response
Hartzell’s protest response has also resulted in condemnations from students and faculty.
Misdemeanor charges filed against photojournalist arrested at UT-Austin protest
The FOX 7 employee is accused of hitting a trooper with his camera, but the arrested man told reporters he was pushed and didn’t hit any officer.




