WASHINGTON – Yesterday the House passed H.R. 3724, which includes the Free Speech on Campus Act introduced by Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA) in 2023.

“Instead of encouraging the free exchange of ideas, we’ve seen too many instances where certain viewpoints are stifled, and uncomfortable ideas are suppressed. This trend undermines the purpose of higher education—the pursuit of knowledge through open, rigorous discussion. This bill ensures that public universities inform students of their First Amendment rights as soon as they step on campus,” said Rep. Kiley.

Click here to view text of H.R. 3724.Click here to view Rep. Kiley’s remarks during the debate.

Background: Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced the Free Speech on Campus Act in 2023. This bill takes major steps to protecting the fundamental right of free expression at American universities and aims to return to a culture of respect and tolerance towards diversity of thought in higher education. The legislation amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions of higher education to provide written materials during orientation explaining students’ First Amendment rights, affirming the importance of the free exchange of ideas to that institution, and outlining policies and protocols the institution will take to protect free expression.

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