Ohio Senate passes bill aimed at protecting free speech on college campuses
(Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)
The Ohio Senate this week passed a measure aimed at protecting free speech on college campuses.
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 40, known as the FORUM Act, sponsored by state Sens. Andrew Brenner, R-Powell, and Rob McColley, R-Napoleon.
The proposal prohibits state universities in Ohio from taking any action or enforcing any policy that restricts the free expression rights of students, faculty, or invited guests on their campuses.
“This legislation will help protect the first amendment rights of our students,” McColley said in a news release. “The bill seeks to ensure universities and colleges remain a place for open, honest, and sometimes difficult dialogue, which plays an important role in helping young people define their views.”
The legislation prohibits state universities from establishing special zones or sections of their campuses where free speech is restricted. It also requires institutions to adopt a public policy outlining its regulations and expectations of students about free expression.
“By passing SB 40, the Ohio Senate is sending the clear message that every student’s voice matters,” Aaron Baer, president of Citizens for Community Values, said in a statement. “In recent years, we’ve witnessed university officials in Ohio and across America stifle the speech of pro-life and conservative groups. SB 40 will protect these students by creating a level playing field for ideas. It doesn’t favor any viewpoint or ideology, but ensures all speech is equally protected.”
SB 40 now heads to the House for consideration.
