Protecting Free Speech and Association on Public University Campuses
This act aims to strengthen free speech, association, and religious freedom on public higher education campuses. It introduces new rules for student organizations, event funding, and prohibits political litmus tests in admissions and hiring, ensuring greater freedom of expression and action for students and faculty without fear of discrimination. Citizens gain the right to seek legal recourse if a university violates these principles.
Key points
Public institutions must disclose their policies on free speech, association, and religion, and inform about the right to sue the institution for violations.
Detailed rules are established for recognizing student organizations, allocating funds, and setting security fees for events, to prevent viewpoint discrimination.
Public universities are prohibited from requiring political pledges or statements from students and employees for admission, hiring, or promotion, including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students and student organizations gain the right to sue public universities in federal court for violations of their free speech, association, or religious rights, with potential for compensatory damages and legal fees.
Universities failing to comply with the new regulations may lose access to federal funding programs, providing a strong enforcement mechanism.
Expired
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