SPRINGFIELD – 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.
Politics
via Caucus News https://ift.tt/8RHsfmo
May 20, 2026 at 06:53PM
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