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Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023

3/7/2024, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 2451

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 2451

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 2451

Bill HR 2451 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 30, 2023. Bill HR 2451 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 30, 2023.  Bill HR 2451's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. as of March 30, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2451

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
42
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
42
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2451

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2451

Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023
Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2023
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for certain freedom of association protections, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 2451

Elise M. Stefanik
Elise M. Stefanik
New YorkRepublican
Steve Womack
Steve Womack
ArkansasRepublican
Joe Wilson
Joe Wilson
South CarolinaRepublican
Beth Van Duyne
Beth Van Duyne
TexasRepublican
Pete Sessions
Pete Sessions
TexasRepublican
Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers
AlabamaRepublican

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