Aimed at preserving freedom of expression at higher education institutions by creating accountability and deterrents for discrimination against those exercising their First Amendment rights, the “Charlie Kirk Act” passed the House Education Committee last week, bringing it one step closer to a House floor vote.
HB1476 by Rep. Gino Bulso will require public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It would also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Some of those protections include prohibiting universities and faculty from restricting guest speakers or refusing to allow student organizations from inviting a speaker to the school because of the speaker’s viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty.
Another section states that a public university shall not discriminate or retaliate against a person or deny recognition to any student group based on their sincere religious beliefs or opposition to topics like abortion, homosexuality, or transgender ideology.
