Bill > HB1476

This bill, known as the "Charlie Kirk Act," mandates that public institutions of higher education in Tennessee adopt policies on freedom of expression and the university's role in political and social action that are substantially similar to specific reports from the University of Chicago, ensuring these policies are published online. The freedom of expression policy must include language stating that universities should not shield individuals from unwelcome ideas and can only restrict speech that violates the law, defames individuals, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, invades privacy, or is incompatible with the university's functioning, with reasonable regulations on time, place, and manner of expression. The policy on the university's role in political and social action must emphasize that the university is a community for teaching and research, not a political actor, and cannot take collective action on public issues without endangering its independence and freedom of dissent. Furthermore, the bill prohibits public higher education institutions from disinviting or restricting speakers invited by student organizations or faculty due to threatened protests or the speaker's viewpoints, and from retaliating against faculty for their scholarly work or constitutionally protected speech. It also protects individuals from discrimination or retaliation based on sincere religious beliefs or positions on abortion, homosexuality, or transgender behavior, and prevents student groups or employers from being denied recognition or access based on these beliefs or positions. Additionally, the bill clarifies what constitutes "substantially obstructing or interfering" with invited speakers, including actions like making noise to drown out a speaker, blocking views, staging disruptive walk-outs, or physically obstructing access to events.