Story · U.S. Supreme Court
Texas Tech's Vague Restrictions Show You Don't Have To Ban Speech To Silence It
This article, written by Simon Tam (of The Slants band), analyzes Texas Tech University System's new directives requiring faculty to review and adjust course materials to avoid 'advocacy/promotion' of certain viewpoints, particularly on race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Faculty groups sued on July 8, 2026, arguing the policies violate the First and 14th Amendments due to vagueness and chilling effects. A Faculty Senate survey found professors altered material in 277 courses, with many self-censoring or job-hunting. The author draws parallels to his own Supreme Court case (Matal v. Tam), arguing that vague standards suppress speech even without formal bans, as rational actors guess conservatively to avoid violations.
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