In response to rising protests against the Gaza conflict, U.S. universities are implementing stricter free speech policies. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order led Austin Community College to update its policies, focusing on protections against antisemitism while notably excluding Islamophobia. Meanwhile, Columbia University has introduced measures such as banning encampments and employing a color-coded campus status system to manage protests, following the resignation of its president amid criticism of her handling of last spring's demonstrations. Similar restrictions are seen at the University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University, and Harvard, which include requiring prior approval for protests and limiting gathering sizes. Critics, including the American Association of University Professors, have condemned these measures as overly restrictive, raising concerns about the implications for free speech on campuses. As tensions continue over the Gaza situation, the balance between safety and free expression remains a contentious issue.