Protecting Student Free Speech and Association Rights at Public Colleges.
This bill strengthens students' rights to free speech and association at public higher education institutions receiving federal funds. It mandates clear, viewpoint-neutral standards for recognizing student organizations, distributing student activity fees, and assessing security costs for events. Students gain the ability to sue universities in federal court for violations, and institutions risk losing crucial federal funding if they fail to comply.
Key points
Universities cannot deny recognition to student groups based solely on lack of a faculty advisor or affiliation with a national organization.
Funding allocations and security fees for student events must be objective and neutral regarding the content or viewpoint expressed (e.g., fees cannot be based on anticipated public reaction).
Students can file civil lawsuits for violations, potentially receiving compensatory damages and attorney fees.
Expired
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