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Campus Free Speech Restoration Act

12/15/2023, 3:56 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2508

The Campus Free Speech Restoration Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 2508, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to protect and promote free speech on college and university campuses across the country.

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 2508

Bill HR 2508 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 6, 2023. Bill HR 2508 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on April 6, 2023.  Bill HR 2508's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. as of April 6, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2508

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
12
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
12
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2508

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2508

Campus Free Speech Restoration Act
Campus Free Speech Restoration Act
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure that public institutions of higher education eschew policies that improperly constrain the expressive rights of students, and to ensure that private institutions of higher education are transparent about, and responsible for, their chosen speech policies.

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