The "Free Speech On Campus Act" mandates that higher education institutions provide comprehensive First Amendment education and assurances of free expression to students.
Kevin Kiley
Representative
CA-3
The "Free Speech On Campus Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, requiring public institutions to affirm their commitment to freedom of expression. This includes providing students with written statements of their First Amendment rights, assurances against freedom of expression violations, and educational programming that promotes respectful expression of diverse views. Institutions must also post these statements on their website.
Campus Free Speech Act: Public Colleges Required to Detail First Amendment Rights During Orientation
This proposed 'Free Speech On Campus Act' aims to ensure students at public colleges understand their First Amendment rights right from the start. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, adding new requirements for how these institutions handle free expression information during student orientation.
Know Your Rights: What Colleges Must Tell You
Under this bill, public colleges and universities would need to hand new and transfer students a clear written statement during orientation. This isn't just legalese; it's meant to spell out your First Amendment rights on campus, confirm the school's commitment to free expression, and assure you (and any speakers you invite) that your right to express yourselves won't be violated by the institution. Think of it as part of your welcome packet, right alongside the campus map and dining hall hours.
Beyond the Handout: Learning Respectful Debate
The Act goes beyond just a piece of paper. It also mandates educational programming covering the school's specific free speech policies and, importantly, teaching respectful ways to express diverse views. The goal seems to be fostering an environment where students not only know their rights but also understand how to engage in discussion, even on tough topics, without resorting to 'exclusionary behavior,' as the bill puts it. This programming also needs to cover the role the First Amendment plays in protecting expression.
Public Pledge: Transparency Online
Finally, that same statement outlining rights and commitments won't just be for orientation packets. The bill requires institutions to post it publicly on their websites. This makes the college's stance on free expression transparent and easily accessible not just to current students, but to prospective students, parents, and the general public.