summary
Introduced
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Academic Freedom of Expression Act. Prohibits a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanctions solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside the campus or facility of the institution, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Allows a student enrolled in a private postsecondary institution at the time that the institution has made or enforced any rule violating the Act to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by the court. Sets forth exceptions. Amends the Board of Higher Education Act. Grants the following powers to the Board of Higher Education: the power to adopt policies protecting academic freedom of speech; the power to support the Illinois Community College Board in developing its academic freedom of speech policies; and the power to establish and enforce rules requiring private institutions of higher education to develop and implement plans related to academic freedom of speech within a reasonable deadline. Amends the Public Community College Act. Grants the following power to the Illinois Community College Board: the power to create and enforce rules which ensure that all faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject where such freedom shall be extended within the confines of the course outcomes, degree or program requirements, and accreditation requirements; and the power to create and enforce rules which ensure that faculty members and students are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Academic Freedom of Expression Act, which protects students at public and private higher education institutions from disciplinary action solely for speech or communication outside campus that would be protected under the First Amendment. The bill requires the Board of Higher Education to develop policies that safeguard academic freedom for faculty and students, including the right to discuss course material and conduct research without fear of discipline or termination. It allows students at private institutions to file civil lawsuits if their institution violates these academic freedom provisions. The bill includes important exceptions, such as not protecting speech that involves harassment, threats, or intimidation, and providing a religious exemption for faith-based institutions. Additionally, the legislation empowers the Illinois Community College Board to create rules ensuring faculty members have freedom in classroom discussions and research, with those freedoms constrained by course requirements and accreditation standards. The bill aims to protect diverse academic expression while maintaining reasonable institutional boundaries, ultimately promoting open dialogue and intellectual exploration in higher education settings.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 06/02/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2202&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB2202.htm |
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