Vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires universities to establish certain protections for free speech.

Highlights:

• Requires Louisiana universities and colleges to develop and adopt a policy on free expression that contains at least the following (Sec. 1):

• A statement that the primary institutional function is education, discovery, improvement, and dissemination of knowledge;

• A statement that it is improper for institutions to shield individuals from free speech protected by the First Amendment;

• Provisions that authorize students and faculty to discuss the problem that presents itself within the limits of reasonable viewpoints and content-neutral restrictions;

• A statement that any individual lawfully present on campus may protest or demonstrate there;

• A range of disciplinary sanctions for anyone who interferes with the free expression of others;

• A provision that for each case where suspension for longer than 30 days or expulsion is a potential disciplinary sanction, students are entitled to a hearing and active assistance of counsel; and

• A provision that any student who has twice been found responsible for infringing the expressive rights of others will be suspended for a minimum of 1 year or expelled.

• Authorizes state-run colleges and universities to restrict speech if it violates state or federal law, is unprotected defamation, is an unjustifiable invasion of privacy, or qualifies as harassment based on a student’s membership of a protected class (Sec. 1).

• Requires state-run colleges and universities to include programs on expressive conduct in all freshman orientations (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes any individual whose expressive rights are violated to bring action in court to recover damages, court costs, and attorney fees (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text