SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions has been signed into law.

“With this law, Illinois is holding firm on protecting the First Amendment,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our students and universities are under attack from every direction when it comes to speech and what should be learned in the classroom. They should not have to face this pressure on their own, Illinois has their back.”

House Bill 4304 will protect the constitutional rights of students in higher education institutions and spell out additional 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. 

The law will reinforce the core principles and preservation of integrity, independence, and academic freedom of its public institutions of higher education and in supporting students’ pursuit of learning, inquiry, and career readiness.

“We have seen these kinds of attacks on education and speech in other countries and throughout history and the results are not pretty,” said Halpin. “Illinois needs to remain a beacon of free learning, education and exposure to new ideas.”

House Bill 4304 was signed into law on Friday and is effective immediately.