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Campus Free Speech Restoration Act
12/15/2023, 3:56 PM
Summary of Bill HR 2508
The bill aims to ensure that all viewpoints and opinions are able to be expressed on campus without fear of censorship or retaliation. It prohibits colleges and universities from restricting speech based on its content, including political, religious, or ideological viewpoints.
Additionally, the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act requires institutions of higher education to create policies that protect free speech rights and establish disciplinary measures for those who violate these policies. It also allows individuals to seek legal recourse if their free speech rights are violated on campus. Overall, the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act seeks to uphold the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, and guest speakers on college and university campuses, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared and debated freely.
Congressional Summary of HR 2508
Campus Free Speech Restoration Act
This bill addresses expressive activities (e.g., peacefully assembling, distributing literature, or carrying signs) on college campuses.
First, the bill generally prohibits a public institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs from restricting noncommercial expressive activities on campus.
Further, the bill prohibits a public IHE from receiving federal funds if the Department of Education determines that the public IHE (1) maintains a policy that infringes upon the expressive rights of students; or (2) maintains or enforces time, place, or manner restrictions on expressive activities, except in limited circumstances.
In addition, the bill prohibits retaliation against an individual because the individual reported or complained about restrictions on expressive activities or participated in an investigation or hearing.
The bill also requires a private IHE that receives federal funds to provide students with its policies related to expressive rights.
The bill also establishes a framework for investigating complaints and for IHEs to regain eligibility for federal funds.





