Bill > SB1741

This bill, known as the "Charlie Kirk Act," mandates that all public higher education institutions in Tennessee adopt policies on freedom of expression and the institution'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. It explicitly states that universities cannot shield individuals from unwelcome or offensive ideas, though they can regulate expression that breaks the law, defames individuals, constitutes threats or harassment, invades privacy, or disrupts university functions, with these being narrow exceptions to the principle of free expression. The bill also prohibits institutions from disinviting speakers due to threatened protests or viewpoints, or restricting student organizations and faculty from inviting speakers, and forbids retaliation against faculty for their scholarly work or constitutionally protected speech. Furthermore, it protects individuals from discrimination or retaliation based on their religious beliefs or stances on abortion, homosexuality, or transgender behavior, and prevents student groups or employers from being denied recognition or access based on these beliefs or stances. The bill also 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 preventing access.