Clarence Thomas to give University of Texas lecture
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U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas in 2025. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas will give a lecture Wednesday at the University of Texas, "in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence," per UT.
Why it matters: The talk, from one of the court's most conservative justices, comes as the university has had an institutional push rightward.
Catch up quick: The past half-dozen years have seen the creation of conservative-minded centers and institutes at UT, including the School of Civic Leadership, supported by conservative lawmakers.
- Last fall, the top official overseeing UT welcomed the Trump administration's demands on how the school is run in exchange for federal funding preferences — though no deal was ultimately inked.
- In February, UT president Jim Davis announced the consolidation of seven ethnic and gender studies departments into two new departments, which faculty warned would jeopardize the university's intellectual leadership.
The big picture: The Trump administration has emphasized the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as it has canceled diversity initiatives and reexamined the teaching of U.S. history.
- Last year, for example, the Trump administration said it would prioritize grants to arts organizations that "celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence," per reporting by Axios.
What they're saying: A message left with the U.S. Supreme Court's press office addressed to Thomas about the shape of his remarks and how the lecture at Texas came about was not immediately returned.
- A spokesperson for UT did not immediately respond to an interview request.
- Thomas has attacked the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, handed down a major opinion striking strict limits on concealed weapons and invited challenges to precedents on rights to contraception and same-sex marriage.
State of play: Thomas has given lectures at universities across the country, from Notre Dame to Catholic University of America, but canceled an in-person event at a legal conference in February over security concerns, the New York Times reported.
- He delivered remarks virtually.
The bottom line: The lecture, at the Hogg Memorial Auditorium at 3:30pm on UT Campus, is not open to the public.