5th Circuit Hears Challenge to Texas Law Banning Overnight Campus Speech
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit heard arguments on Tuesday regarding Senate Bill 2972, a Texas law requiring public colleges to restrict expressive activity from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and during final exam periods. State lawyers argued the law merely directs campuses to create their own policies, while student advocates contended the statute itself imposes unconstitutional restrictions. A federal judge had previously blocked enforcement of the law, which took effect in September 2025 after nationwide pro-Palestinian protests.