As a conservative public official whose actual words have often been ignored and distorted by opponents and the media, I understand the critical importance of free speech, both on college campuses and off. Academic freedom helps ensure Texas students are exposed to a range of ideas and learn how to critically evaluate and challenge those ideas.

But “academic freedom” is not a shield for employees of state-funded universities to hide behind to escape any criticism of what they say and do. Many professors seem to believe they should have total control of all aspects of campus life, from curriculum to the hiring and firing of campus employees. They run off university presidents and chancellors who institute policies they don’t like.

Over the past few weeks, I have sat quietly as a group of professors at Texas A&M have flailed away with overheated rhetoric about my supposed interference with their “academic freedom.”

The time has come for me to break my silence. You can click here to read my op-ed (originally published in the Houston Chronicle) in its entirety.

Speaking at the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 50th Annual Meeting in Orlando

It was an honor to join the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Orlando for their 50th annual meeting. My friend, Dr. Ben Carson, and I spoke last Friday.

I shared stories with the crowd and spoke about leadership, making tough decisions, and standing your ground.

You can click here to watch my full speech.

Thank you all for your support and everything you do to keep Texas red. May God bless you and your family, and may He continue to bless the greatest state of all—Texas.

Sincerely,

Dan Patrick
Lieutenant Governor of Texas

P.S. Feel free to forward this email to your friends and family who may not be on our email list — they can also click here to sign up for future updates.

"Whomever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant."
Matthew 20:26 (NLT)

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for alerts and updates.

This e-mail has been sent to [email protected], click here to unsubscribe.