Bill > S1478

This bill, titled "Intellectual Freedom and Viewpoint Diversity," aims to bolster academic freedom and protect against political interference within Florida's higher education institutions. It removes the definition of "shield," which previously referred to limiting access to uncomfortable ideas, and instead mandates that the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of the State University System ensure that Florida College System institutions and state universities are free from undue political influence and interference in academic affairs, including curriculum, faculty appointments, research, and administration. The bill also grants students the right to pursue education without governmental or institutional pressure based on political or ideological grounds, and affirms faculty members' rights to academic freedom in teaching, research, and extramural speech, consistent with professional standards and institutional policies. Finally, it updates a cross-reference related to academic freedom protections for the Florida State University Election Law Center.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1478