The Brief
- The University of Texas System approved a rule limiting “controversial” course content.
- Instructors must exclude unrelated contested topics and use a “broad and balanced” approach.
- Critics warn vague language could chill academic freedom and lead to self-censorship.
AUSTIN, Texas – University of Texas System students are now free to graduate from college without learning “unnecessary controversial subjects” after a Thursday meeting of the board of regents.
The board passed a new rule for the system broadly defining the freedoms students and educators have to teach and learn undefined topics.
New UT System rule
What we know:
The new rule, which passed unanimously by the board after about 40 minutes of public objection, ultimately decides that students in the school system can get an education without learning “controversial” subjects that don’t necessarily apply to their field of study.…