Senator César J. Blanco Appointed to Senate Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
September 12th, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Appointed to Senate Select Committee on
Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education
Austin, Texas- Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has announced the creation of the Senate Select
Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education to examine how
Texas colleges and universities can better foster respectful dialogue, uphold constitutional
freedoms, and support student success. Senator César J. Blanco has been appointed to serve on
the committee.
Senator Blanco’s appointment reflects his ongoing commitment to ensuring that the rights and
voices of all Texans, particularly students from diverse, rural, border, and underserved
communities, are heard and respected.
Senator César J. Blanco issued the following statement:
“Texas’ colleges and universities are home to the next generation of leaders. Higher education
institutions should be places where every Texan, regardless of background or political beliefs, feels
safe to engage in political discourse. They must uphold all forms of protected speech guaranteed
by the Constitution, even when ideas are controversial or uncomfortable.
“I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for appointing me to this important committee. My
priority will be to not only protect free speech but also foster environments of mutual respect. We
must guarantee that campuses can share ideas without fear so that our state’s higher education
system remains a place of opportunity, critical thinking, and civic engagement for every Texan.”