TXST students express how recent events have impacted views on the First Amendment

By Jissela Cabrera

Assistant Director of News

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University students and organizations are actively addressing how recent events have affected their views on the First Amendment.

Last week, Texas State made national headlines after a video circulated showing a now-former student imitating the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In response, the university implemented new rules governing protests on campus.

As a result, students have shared their opinions on how these events have influenced their perspectives on free speech.

Texas State sophomore Alexander Pinteralli, president of the university’s chapter of Young Americans for Liberty, a nonpartisan organization that promotes discussion of current events, free speech and civic engagement, said the events raise concerns about threats to freedom of expression.

“Whenever I see these things happen, like the student who was in the video, my initial reaction was that he does have a right to say the things he said,” said Pinteralli. “I think the real question is, does Texas State, as a publicly sponsored school, legally have a right to say who they don’t want on campus because of what they say or express?”

Pinteralli said a person’s political affiliation or statements should not influence their educational or job opportunities. However, he acknowledged the difficult position faced by the university president.

“If I was the university president and I saw the governor call out my school negatively on a big social media platform, I would probably have to take quick action as well,” said Pinteralli.

He also criticized Texas Senate Bill 2972, which he said infringes on free speech rights on public campuses. He expressed hope that the group’s activism can lead to change.

Student Body President Abby Myers said the recent update to the university’s expressive activity policy was a direct result of the new state law, S.B. 2972.

She emphasized the importance of students continuing to advocate for the changes they want to see.

“Students get to be a vehicle for change in a way that people don’t necessarily get to do all the time,” said Myers. “A lot of what’s happening in this world is affecting them, and it’s going to continue affecting them for years to come.”

Myers said recent events have shaped public perception of the First Amendment in two distinct ways — both empowering and intimidating students.

“It’s kind of like this double-edged sword where it’s empowered some people to want to speak out more, but the flip side is that people are nervous to say things, as there might be consequences or judgment,” said Myers.

She encouraged students to continue using their voices and to reach out to student government for support.

“The more we allow the First Amendment to be challenged the way it is being challenged, the less of an impact it makes and the less of an absolute right we have,” said Myers. “We can put out statements and meet with administrators, as our goal is to make sure students’ voices are being heard.”