Three months ago, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered for several days along Speedway and at the University of Texas' South Mall to demand that the institution divest from weapons manufacturers contributing to Israel's bombardment of Gaza. At the same time, thousands of other protesters across the country were also demanding the same from their institutions of higher learning.
At UT, President Jay Hartzell called Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to help control the demonstrations, specifically one on April 24 and another on April 29, which university administrators perceived as a danger to the campus. The officers were clad in riot gear and zip ties. Some came on horseback. At the April 24 demonstration, 57 people were arrested. On April 29, when protesters set up a surprise encampment, 79 people were arrested.
Since then, the American-Statesman has followed the protesters and their case dispositions, and investigated how UT has changed its policies or has asked for assistance behind-the-scenes. Here are five findings:
UT hires crisis communications firm after pro-Palestinian protests
A day after the April 29 demonstration, UT called FGS Global, a strategic communications firm, to help with communication surrounding the protests and other "related reputational matters," according to documents obtained by the Statesman through open records requests.
On May 4, Hartzell signed a contract with FGS Global for $75,000 for services from May to December. The "strategic communications work" includes:
- Being available to join daily meetings
- Forming a crisis communications working group
- Rethinking how the university communicates on-the-record statements
- Identifying allies to promote the university's image
- Developing a social media strategy, including a paid campaign
About a month later, UT laid off 20 staff members in University Marketing and Communications ― about a quarter of the department responsible for marketing, university communications and social media ― due to "changing priorities for the University." Sixteen of these positions were completely eliminated.
UT spokesperson Mike Rosen did not answer the Statesman's questions about if the crisis firm's work was connected to the layoffs.
More: Records: UT hires crisis comms for 'reputational matters' after pro-Palestinian protests
UT changes free speech policies
UT changed its Speech, Expression and Assembly rules to comply with a March executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott that mandated colleges to review their free speech policies to better protect against antisemitism. But UT also made changes that place greater limitations on expression and give the university power to limit it, the American-Statesman found. UT did not alert the campus to the changes or state the date the changes went into effect.
"The University updates its rules and policies each summer to address changes to the law, implement new practices, and to improve and clarify existing provisions. Any new provisions are effective upon publication,” Rosen said, though he did not answer the Statesman's specific questions about policy changes.
The changes include:
- Though previously the policy only said UT police may respond to campus concerns and “assist dean of students staff or other University officials, as appropriate, when individuals refuse to follow university rules," it now extends that authority to "Any other peace officer with lawful jurisdiction.”
- If a UT official determines that there is a campus disruption, staff members can search for and determine items "that could be used as weapons."
- Amplified sound is now prohibited on campus during finals week, which is when the April protests occurred.
- UT staff members are now allowed to "in some instances" extend a greater perimeter than 10 feet around facilities to bar expressive conduct.
More: Analysis: UT increases limits on free speech after pro-Palestinian protests, Abbott order
UT spent $5,200 on Pok-e-joes barbecue for police, staff as part of protest expenses
A UT document entitled "2024 Protest Purchases" obtained by the Statesman through the Texas Public Information Act outlines $8,641 in protest-related expenses, not including staffing fees or equipment used, which outlines several charges which were largely related to food, water and hotels.
Here's what UT spent:
- Pok-e-Jo's — $5,200
- Hotel — $1,833.72
- Liquid IV/Propel — $578.25
- Water — $560.84
- Flex cuffs (zip ties) — $293
- Portable chargers — $100.66
- Lanyard holders — $75.18
Rosen said the two barbecue charges at Pok-e-Jo's — for $3,900 and $1,300 — were classified as “ official occasional expenses ,” defined in the school's operating procedures as “a reception, luncheon, dinner, or similar event that is sponsored and funded by The University of Texas at Austin and is often hosted by an administrative officer.” UT police spokesperson Stephanie Jacksis told the Statesman that the hotels were for UT System police officers, but would not specify how many nights or how many officers.
"It should be recognized that UT does not hesitate to exercise its budgetary discretion to procure the necessary provisions to maintain public safety and prevent operational disruption,” Rosen said at the time.
More: $5,200 for Pok-e-Jo's barbecue: A look at UT's expenses for pro-Palestinian protests
Protesters face disciplinary proceedings, deferred suspension or suspension
In early June, UT initiated disciplinary proceedings against student protesters who were arrested April 24 or April 29 for alleged rules violations of disruptive conduct and failure to comply with orders. In a collective letter some protesters wrote to the school, they denied the charges and asked to be treated fairly.
Som students also reported a hold on their transcripts or ability to register for classes, which Rosen said is done to ensure compliance with the disciplinary process.
About a month later, multiple students received administrative dispositions offering them deferred suspensions if they accept responsibility and agree to review UT's speech and expression policies, which were changed this summer. One student received a two-year suspension and ban from campus, but would be eligible for a hearing to contest it.
Before students received their administrative dispositions, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas warned Hartzell that the proceedings could "squelch" the free speech rights of students and urged the university to consider students' cases fairly and individually.
Rosen did not comment on the outcomes of the cases but has previously said that all students get due process. Some students are still awaiting their case outcomes.
More: UT offers deferred suspension to some pro-Palestinian student protesters, one suspension
Prosecutor drops almost all charges against pro-Palestinian protesters
The Travis County Attorney's Office dropped all 79 criminal trespassing charges levied against UT protesters who participated in the April 29 demonstration after nearly two months of review and considering factors "including the legitimate concerns of whether there were violations of constitutional rights of free speech," County Attorney Delia Garza said June 26.
A university statement Rosen shared at the time said they were "deeply disappointed" by the action.
All 57 criminal trespassing charges filed against the April 24 protesters were dismissed the next day due to "deficiencies" in the probable cause affidavits, Garza said at the time.
Non-criminal trespassing charges filed for April 29 protesters — including for obstructing a highway or passageway, interfering with public duties, and illegally carrying a concealed gun without a license on campus — are still pending.
More: Criminal trespassing charges dropped against 79 arrested in UT pro-Palestinian protest
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Three months after pro-Palestinian protests at UT, here are five takeaways and updates
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