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Stronger Free Speech Rights and Penalties for Colleges.

This bill strengthens free speech protections for students at public universities by limiting restrictive speech zones and codes. It also requires private universities receiving federal aid to be fully transparent about their speech policies, treating them as contractual obligations to students. Universities that violate these rules risk losing access to crucial federal funding, including student financial aid programs.
Key points
Public universities must allow noncommercial expressive activities (protests, petitions) in generally accessible outdoor areas, severely limiting restrictions on time, place, or manner.
Students whose free speech rights are violated can sue the university in federal court and receive guaranteed minimum compensation of at least $500.
Private universities must publicly post all speech policies, which are legally considered binding contracts with students, allowing students to sue if unlisted rules are enforced.
Universities found to be non-compliant with these speech protections face the loss of eligibility for federal student financial aid programs.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1511
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Process start date: 2023-05-10
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Campus Free Speech Restoration Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1511.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-05-10.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Public universities must allow noncommercial expressive activities (protests, petitions) in generally accessible outdoor areas, severely limiting restrictions on time, place, or manner.
  • Students whose free speech rights are violated can sue the university in federal court and receive guaranteed minimum compensation of at least $500.
  • Private universities must publicly post all speech policies, which are legally considered binding contracts with students, allowing students to sue if unlisted rules are enforced.
  • Universities found to be non-compliant with these speech protections face the loss of eligibility for federal student financial aid programs.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Education Courts and Law