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Free Speech On Campus Act

1/24/2024, 2:00 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3505

Bill 118 HR 3505, also known as the Free Speech On Campus Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to protect and promote free speech on college and university campuses across the country.

The bill aims to ensure that institutions of higher education uphold the First Amendment rights of students, faculty, and staff. It prohibits colleges and universities from restricting speech based on its content, including political viewpoints, religious beliefs, or other forms of expression.

Additionally, the Free Speech On Campus Act requires colleges and universities to establish policies that protect free speech and ensure that individuals are not silenced or punished for expressing their opinions. It also includes provisions for reporting violations of free speech rights and holding institutions accountable for any infringements. Overall, the goal of Bill 118 HR 3505 is to create a more open and inclusive environment on college campuses where diverse viewpoints can be freely expressed and debated. By safeguarding free speech rights, this legislation seeks to foster a culture of intellectual diversity and academic freedom in higher education institutions.

Congressional Summary of HR 3505

Free Speech On Campus Act

This bill requires public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs to provide students with information about their First Amendment rights.

Specifically, an IHE must provide new and transfer students attending orientation with

  • a written statement (that must also be published on the IHE's website) that explains student rights under the First Amendment, affirms the commitment of the IHE to freedom of expression, and includes an assurance that students and invited speakers will not be treated in a manner that violates their freedom of expression; and
  • educational programming (including online resources) that includes the IHE's policies for protecting freedom of expression and lessons for understanding the First Amendment.

Current Status of Bill HR 3505

Bill HR 3505 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 18, 2023. Bill HR 3505 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 18, 2023.  Bill HR 3505's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. as of May 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3505

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3505

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3505

Free Speech On Campus Act
Free Speech On Campus Act
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions of higher education, as a condition of participating in programs under title IV of such Act, to provide a written statement and educational programming to new students on the rights of students under the first amendment to the Constitution.

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