Free Speech On Campus Act

This bill ties federal student aid eligibility for public colleges to sharing clear information about free speech. Public colleges would have to give new and transfer students, at orientation, a written statement that explains student First Amendment rights, affirms the school’s commitment to free expression, and assures that students and invited speakers won’t be treated in ways that violate free expression. They must also provide educational programming—like lessons and online resources—on campus policies that protect speech, how to express different views respectfully, and what the First Amendment means on campus. The school must post the free speech statement on its public website as well.

Key points

• Who is affected: Public colleges and universities; new and transfer students; invited speakers on campus.
• What changes: Schools must share a written free speech statement at orientation, provide educational programming about free expression, and post the statement online.
• Why it matters: Access to federal student aid programs would depend on meeting these requirements, pushing schools to be clear and proactive about protecting student speech.