Bill > HR2057

This bill establishes a Students Bill of Rights Act that protects First Amendment rights for students and student organizations at public higher education institutions receiving federal funding. The bill requires these institutions to establish clear, content-neutral standards for recognizing student organizations, including allowing organizations to form without mandatory faculty advisors and without being penalized for national affiliations. Institutions must provide transparent and viewpoint-neutral processes for distributing student activity funds, determining security fees for events, and protecting invited speakers. The bill creates an enforcement mechanism allowing students to file civil lawsuits if an institution violates these requirements, with potential remedies including injunctions, compensatory damages, and attorney fees. Institutions found in violation could have their federal funding eligibility revoked if they do not address the issues within a specified timeframe. Importantly, the bill includes specific definitions to ensure that policies cannot discriminate based on an organization's content or viewpoint, and it provides an appeals process for organizations denied recognition or funding. The legislation aims to protect diverse speech and association rights on public college campuses while maintaining institutional flexibility in managing student organizations.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2057/all-info