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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Public universities are institutions dedicated to |
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fostering the pursuit of knowledge, the free exchange of ideas, and |
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the maintenance of public safety and order on campus; and |
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WHEREAS, In response to recent international events, |
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including the conflict between Israel and Hamas, universities |
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across the United States have seen a wave of protests, some of which |
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have escalated into disruptive occupations and unlawful takeovers |
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of university property, threatening public safety and undermining |
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the educational mission of these institutions; and |
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WHEREAS, Reports from prominent institutions such as |
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Columbia University, Harvard University, and the University of |
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California system indicate that similar incidents of disruptive |
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protests have occurred nationwide during the same period, |
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highlighting a growing trend of attempts to seize control of |
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university spaces under the guise of protest; and |
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WHEREAS, The University of Texas and other public |
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institutions in the state have experienced similar protests, |
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including attempts to occupy administrative offices, disrupt |
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normal campus operations, and unlawfully seize property, putting |
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the safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk; and |
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WHEREAS, The occupation or takeover of university property |
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undermines the rule of law, compromises the mission of public |
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universities, and violates the rights of individuals who depend on |
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a secure and stable learning environment; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas public universities, funded by taxpayer |
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dollars, have a duty to uphold order, protect property, and ensure |
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lawful and peaceful use of campus spaces; and |
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WHEREAS, The State of Texas is committed to maintaining the |
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rule of law and preserving the integrity of its public institutions |
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of higher learning; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby urge all public universities in Texas to adopt and enforce |
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stringent policies that explicitly prohibit the occupation, |
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seizure, or unlawful disruption of university property, including |
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academic buildings, administrative offices, public spaces, and the |
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replacement of university sanctioned flags; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge all public |
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universities in Texas to coordinate with local and state law |
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enforcement to respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to |
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occupy or disrupt campus property, ensuring the safety of all |
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individuals and the uninterrupted operation of university |
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activities; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature urge university |
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administrations to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the |
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constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly while |
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making clear that unlawful actions, including the occupation or |
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takeover of property, will not be tolerated and will result in |
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appropriate disciplinary and legal actions; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official |
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copies of this resolution to the governing boards of all public |
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universities in Texas, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating |
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Board, and the office of the governor, as an expression of the Texas |
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Legislature's intent to protect the integrity, safety, and order of |
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Texas public universities. |