H.R. 2634

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions of higher education, as a condition of participating in programs under title IV of such Act, to provide a written statement and educational programming to new students on the rights of students under the first amendment to the Constitution.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · April 3, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Kiley of California · Committee: Committee on Education and Workforce

Table of contents

• H.R. 2634
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Program participation agreement on freedom of expression

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Free Speech On Campus Act.

SEC. 2. Program participation agreement on freedom of expression

• Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 () is amended by adding at the end the following: 20 U.S.C. 1094(a)
  • In the case of a public institution, the institution will carry out each of the following:
    • At each orientation for new and transfer students, provide students attending the orientation—
      • (i) a written statement that—
      • explains the rights of students under the first amendment to the Constitution;
      • affirms the importance and the commitment of the institution to freedom of expression; and
      • includes assurances that students, and individuals invited by students to speak at the institution, will not be treated in a manner that violates the freedom of expression of such students or individuals; and
      • (ii) educational programming (including online resources) that include each of the following:
      • Descriptions of policies, procedures, and protocols of the institution that protect freedom of expression and prohibit exclusionary behavior.
      • Lessons that—
      • teach and encourage the expression of a wide range of views in a productive and respectful manner; and
      • include an understanding of the first amendment to the Constitution and its role in supporting the commitment of the institution to freedom of expression.
    • Post on the publicly accessible website of the institution the statement described in subparagraph (A)(i).