Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023

Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023

This bill addresses freedom of association protections for college students in single-sex social organizations.

Specifically, the bill gives students (or groups of students) enrolled at institutions of higher education (IHEs) the right to form or join social organizations, including single-sex social organizations.

Additionally, the bill prohibits IHEs that participate in federal student-aid programs from

• taking adverse actions against single-sex social organizations or students who are members or prospective members of such organizations based solely on the practice of limiting membership to only individuals of one sex;
• taking actions that require or coerce members or prospective members of such organizations to waive protections provided under the bill, including as a condition of enrolling in the IHE; or
• imposing a recruitment restriction on a single-sex social organization that is not imposed upon other student organizations, unless the organization and IHE have entered into a written agreement allowing the restriction.

Bill 118 HR 2451, also known as the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023, aims to protect the rights of students and faculty members to freely associate with organizations of their choosing on college and university campuses. The bill seeks to prevent discrimination against individuals based on their membership in a particular group or organization.

Under this legislation, institutions of higher education would be prohibited from denying recognition or funding to student groups based on their beliefs or affiliations. Additionally, the bill would require colleges and universities to provide equal access to campus facilities and resources for all student organizations, regardless of their viewpoints.

The Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023 also includes provisions to ensure that faculty members are not penalized for their associations with certain organizations or for expressing controversial opinions. The bill emphasizes the importance of academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas on college campuses. Overall, this legislation aims to uphold the principles of freedom of association and expression in higher education settings, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for students and faculty members alike.