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Conservatives Are Worried About Campus Free Speech — But Not for Gaza Protesters

Republican lawmakers argued that the response to student protesters was justified and different from the free speech they say is being impeded for conservatives.

Jim Jordan
“I’m always for protecting the First Amendment, but this is not that,” Rep. Jim Jordan said of campus protests over the war in Gaza. NATHAN HOWARD/AP

Not long ago, conservatives were antagonizing universities for being against free speech when students protested guest speakers associated with the right. But they see the crackdown on student demonstrations now as wholly different — and no one on the right seems concerned that the response will one day impact conservative student groups.

“I’m always for protecting the First Amendment, but this is not that,” said Rep. Jim Jordan. “This is something entirely different, and it needs to stop.”

Rep. Chip Roy said protesters disobeying rules set by universities has nothing to do with the discrimination he says impacts conservative students.