In the face of fierce debate on the role of speech and protest on college campuses, and the federal government moving to influence university curriculum, State Senator Mike Halpin has pushed forward a bill to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions.

“We cannot allow pressures from the federal government or cynical political groups to suppress speech, free assembly and learning on our campuses,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Higher education institutions serve the role of building knowledge and understanding of one another and teaching our young people how to tackle new ideas and skills. We need to protect the rights of students and faculty to ensure a safe, just and open learning environment for everyone.”

House Bill 4304 would protect the constitutional rights of students in higher education institutions and spell out further academic rights. These rights would include an inclusive and safe learning environment, accessibility, free expression and academic access, freedom of association and organization, peaceful protest, academic transparency, fair evaluation, educational records, protection of academic programs from political interference, career preparation, educational quality, due process, institutional accountability, financial transparency, refunds and withdrawals and right to transfer.

Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin

The legislation would reinforce the core principles and preservation of integrity, independence, and academic freedom of its public institutions of higher education and in supporting students’ pursuit of learning, inquiry, and career readiness.

“Our democracy depends on free expression and the right to gather freely,” said Halpin. “Illinois must be prepared to weather any storm threatening the constitutional rights of our higher education students, and anyone else whose rights are at risk.”

House Bill 4304 has passed the Senate Executive Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.