SCOTUS' Clarence Thomas to speak at UT Austin for 250th anniversary of Declaration of Independence
Associate US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas poses for the official photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on October 7, 2022. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is expected to deliver a lecture at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 15.
The university told FOX Local that it will host Thomas, as part of events honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Justice Thomas to speak at UT Austin
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speaks at the Heritage Foundation on October 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. Clarence Thomas has now served on the Supreme Court for 30 years. He was nominated by former Preside
Local perspective:
Thomas is set to speak at 3:30 p.m. at Hogg Memorial Auditorium on the UT campus. The entire event is scheduled to run until 5 p.m., according to the university.
His appearance comes amid broader political and institutional shifts at the university, where leaders in recent years have backed the creation of several conservative-leaning academic centers and initiatives. Those include the School of Civic Leadership, supported by Republican lawmakers.
Back in February, UT President Jim Davis announced plans to consolidate seven ethnic and gender studies departments into two, a move faculty warned could weaken the university’s academic standing in those fields.
University of Texas board approves new content rule for educators and students
The University of Texas System board passed a new rule for the system broadly defining the freedoms students and educators have to teach and learn undefined topics.
Federal influence and the 250th anniversary celebration
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 5: U.S. President Donald Trump, accompanied by Pam Bondi (C), and U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas (R), speaks before Bondi is sworn in as U.S. Attorney General in the Oval Office at the White House on Fe
Dig deeper:
During the Fall of 2025, the Trump administration suggested the university overhaul its policies and governance in exchange for preferential federal funding. Ultimately, no formal agreement was reached despite these demands.
Thomas’ lecture aligns with a broader national emphasis on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Trump administration has highlighted the anniversary in its cultural and education priorities, including directing grant funding toward programs that promote traditional interpretations of American history while scaling back diversity-focused initiatives.
UT Austin professors frustrated with department eliminations in the College of Liberal Arts
Faculty and students at the University of Texas are continuing to look for answers after it was announced that several departments in the College of Liberal Arts would be combined into just two departments.
Security protocols for event
What's next:
Media access to Wednesday’s event will be tightly controlled. Reporters must obtain credentials in advance, with security screenings beginning at 2:15 p.m. near the auditorium. Designated areas will be provided for live broadcasts within a secured perimeter.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by UT Austin and previous FOX Local coverage.