Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires public universities to develop policies which protect free speech.

Highlights:

• Specifies that expressive activities by individuals or groups lawfully present on a university campus are protected (Sec. 1).

• Defines “expressive activities” as including, but not limited to, all activities protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution or by the Constitution of Louisiana (Sec. 1).

• Requires public universities to develop policies to protect freedom of expression and assembly consistent with this statute and to make such policies publicly available through its handbook, website, and orientation program (Sec. 1).

• Requires public universities to make public information regarding the procedure by which an individual aggrieved by a violation of the freedom of expression policy make seek relief (Sec. 1).

• Requires public universities to develop policies regarding free expression that contain provisions including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• A statement that it is not the proper role of institutions to shield individuals from speech protected by the First Amendment;

• A provision that students and faculty have the freedom to discuss any topic that presents itself; and

• A provision that prohibits protests that infringe upon the rights of others to engage or listen to expressive activity.

• Prohibits public universities from denying privileges to belief-based organizations that would be afforded to any other organization, including denials of privilege based on a belief-based organization’s requirement that members adhere to certain standards (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text