Post-review of Gov. Abbott’s visit

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

Following Gov. Abbott’s signing of SB15 on Monday, my team and I conducted a post-review of the day. We also reviewed feedback from the public and members of the Texas Woman’s community. I want to thank everyone for sharing their perspectives. Your email messages have been valuable.

First and foremost, Texas Woman’s is committed to upholding individuals’ constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. We value and respect different perspectives and encourage members of our community to find their voices. We worked diligently to balance safety, constitutional rights, and the values we hold dear as a university.

In light of these values, I must condemn intimidating or violent behavior, as some protestors exhibited on Monday. Holding up signs and chanting are okay. Throwing glass bottles toward the governor’s car, spitting on elected officials or guests, and shouting obscenities at young children are not in the spirit of free speech and assembly. We should never condone such conduct that incites fear or subjects anyone to danger.

Sometimes in our lives, people on two sides of an issue will never reach an agreement through debate. And that is okay on a personal level. As Texas Woman’s, we are bound by duty at an institutional level. At the same time, we can be compassionate to the challenges that trans students, faculty, and staff experience daily, as well as those experienced by competitors in women’s sports. Life is complex, and still, we can hold one another through it and behave with civility.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 8:24 AM, August 10, 2023