Bill > S0201

This bill establishes a state policy for Vermont to encourage and maintain full freedom of inquiry, teaching, research, and the free exchange of ideas in postsecondary schools, meaning colleges and universities operating in the state, to ensure robust and uninhibited discussion of issues. To comply with this policy, these postsecondary schools must adopt their own academic freedom policies by August 1, 2027. These adopted policies must guarantee faculty the freedom to discuss any material relevant to their assigned courses, avoid unreasonable restrictions on teaching methods, and grant faculty the same freedom of expression and speech outside of work as any private citizen, with the caveat that faculty must clarify they are not speaking on behalf of the school when their statements could be perceived as such. This act will become effective on July 1, 2026.

Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.201