HB 4968

Abstract

Creates the Campus Free Speech and Expression Act. Requires the board of trustees of each public university and community college in this State to adopt a policy that includes a statement that (1) the primary function of an institution of higher education is the discovery, improvement, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge by means of research, teaching, discussion, and debate; (2) it is not the proper role of an institution of higher education to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States; (3) it is the proper role of an institution of higher education to encourage diversity of thoughts, ideas, and opinions and to encourage the peaceful, respectful, and safe exercise of First Amendment rights; (4) students and faculty have the freedom to discuss any problem that presents itself, assemble, and engage in spontaneous expressive activity on campus, within the bounds of established principles of the First Amendment and subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions; and (5) the outdoor areas of campus of an institution of higher education are public forums open on the same terms to any invited speaker, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Sets forth provisions concerning activities that are protected under the Act, deeming the outdoor areas of campuses public forums on campus, freedom of association, remedies, a statute of limitations, and immunity.