A New Law Hits Texas Campuses

Big changes are here for students at Texas Tech University this fall, thanks to a brand-new law out of Austin called Senate Bill 2972—also known as the “Campus Protection Act.” Signed earlier this year and officially in effect as of September 1st, 2025, the bill is designed to regulate how “expressive activities” happen at Texas public universities.

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So, what does that mean for Red Raiders? Basically, if you’re part of a student group, planning a protest, handing out flyers, or even holding a late-night vigil, there are now stricter rules about when, where, and how you can do it.

What Exactly Is SB 2972?

Here’s the breakdown:

Senate Bill 2972 lays out guidelines for “expressive activities” on campus. That’s a legal term covering things like:

• Speeches and demonstrations

• Carrying signs or banners

• Passing out literature or petitions

• Hosting protests, vigils, or rallies

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The law says these activities are protected under the First Amendment for students and employees at public universities—but with some brand-new limits. Non-students or visitors to campus don’t get the same level of protection.

Key Rules That Impact Texas Tech

Here are some of the biggest changes Texas Tech students will notice under SB 2972:

• No Expressive Activities from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. — If you’re thinking about a late-night rally or vigil, that window is now off-limits.

• Restrictions at the End of the Semester — During the last two weeks of classes, expressive activities that could disrupt campus operations are limited.

• No Camping or Masks — You can’t set up tents on campus grounds, and you can’t wear disguises or masks to conceal identity during a protest.

• Noise Limits — Amplified sound (like bullhorns or loudspeakers) is restricted, especially during class hours or near buildings.

• Designated Public Forums — Tech will be required to map out which outdoor spaces are considered “public forums” for free speech. That means not every sidewalk or lawn will be open for demonstrations anymore.

What This Means for Red Raiders

For Texas Tech students, SB 2972 is all about planning ahead. Student organizations will need to be extra careful when scheduling events, checking rules about time and place, and making sure their activities stay within these new limits.

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University regents are also tasked with creating policies that outline exactly what happens if students or organizations break the rules—including potential disciplinary actions.

The Bottom Line

Whether you see it as protecting order on campus or restricting free speech, SB 2972 is already shaping life at Texas Tech. If you’re a Red Raider with something to say, you can still say it—but you’ll need to make sure you’re doing it at the right time, in the right place, and under the new rules.