Mr. Speaker,
I rise to say a few words in support of this bill.
The issue of free speech on college campuses, and what constitutes it, has been of increased importance in recent years. The public university has always been intended to be a place where new ideas can be developed, and where open discussion can flourish. Sadly, it has become common for institutions of higher education to restrict the rights of both students and faculty to free expression.
This bill defines what "protected activities" are on a college campus. Specifically, it states that all forms of peaceful expression (including protests, petitions, and other forms of speech) are permitted and protected under regional law. Among other things, the legislation provides that any "time, place, and manner" restrictions shall be clearly stated and published. It also makes clear what the procedure is for bringing a legal action in remedy of a violation of this bill.
I believe that this legislation is a step in the right direction; it will ensure that college campuses in the South continue to be bastions of new ideas, and home bases for the best and brightest among us. As such, I urge my colleagues to support this bill's swift passage.
I yield.
(OOC note: This bill closely resembles one passed by the State of Missouri IRL. Said bill was supported by the
"Foundation for Individual Rights In Education" (FIRE) civil rights group)
