SCR36 - Urging all public universities in Texas to respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to occupy or disrupt campus property.

      By: Creighton S.C.R. No. 36                 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, Public universities are institutions dedicated to   fostering the pursuit of knowledge, the free exchange of ideas, and   the maintenance of public safety and order on campus; and          WHEREAS, In response to recent international events,   including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, universities   across the United States have seen a wave of protests, some of which   have escalated into disruptive occupations and unlawful takeovers   of university property, threatening public safety and undermining   the educational mission of these institutions; and          WHEREAS, Reports from prominent institutions such as   Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of   California system indicate that similar incidents of disruptive   protests have occurred nationwide during the same period,   highlighting a growing trend of attempts to seize control of   university spaces under the guise of protest; and          WHEREAS, The University of Texas and other public   institutions in the state have experienced similar protests,   including attempts to occupy administrative offices, disrupt   normal campus operations, and unlawfully seize property, putting   the safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk; and          WHEREAS, The occupation or takeover of university property   undermines the rule of law, compromises the mission of public   universities, and violates the rights of individuals who depend on   a secure and stable learning environment; and          WHEREAS, Texas public universities, funded by taxpayer   dollars, have a duty to uphold order, protect property, and ensure   lawful and peaceful use of campus spaces; and          WHEREAS, The State of Texas is committed to maintaining the   rule of law and preserving the integrity of its public institutions   of higher learning; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby urge all public universities in Texas to adopt and enforce   stringent policies that explicitly prohibit the occupation,   seizure, or unlawful disruption of university property, including   academic buildings, administrative offices, public spaces, and the   replacement of university sanctioned flags; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge all public   universities in Texas to coordinate with local and state law   enforcement to respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to   occupy or disrupt campus property, ensuring the safety of all   individuals and the uninterrupted operation of university   activities; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge university   administrations to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the   constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly while   making clear that unlawful actions, including the occupation or   takeover of property, will not be tolerated and will result in   appropriate disciplinary and legal actions; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official   copies of this resolution to the governing boards of all public   universities in Texas, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating   Board, and the office of the governor, as an expression of the Texas   Legislature's intent to protect the integrity, safety, and order of   Texas public universities.