PEN America has published a list of state bills that free speech groups consider “dangerous” to higher education because they attempt to restrict speech and other forms of expression on college campuses.
The six bills vary in origin, focus, and scope of impact. And one proposed in Utah has already become law.
“It’s been a tumultuous few months for higher education,” a PEN America press release said. “Lawmakers across the country are doubling down on a years-long campaign to destabilize academia, censor college classrooms, and weaken safeguards that help protect academic freedom.”
Bills listed include:
- SB 1372, Florida: The so-called Stop WOKE Act would ban certain concepts, including systemic racism and identity politics, from being included in teacher education curricula at public and private colleges and universities.
- HB 465, Florida: Would strip state financial aid from students who “promote” federally recognized foreign terrorist organizations.
- HB 261, Utah: New law bans diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public universities, including mandatory DEI training.
- HF 2077, Iowa: Public institutions must deny recognition to student groups that “promote” the very concept of terrorism.
- SB 191, Indiana: Requires colleges and universities to post course materials online so that “the extent to which they contain divisive concepts” can be assessed.
- SB 1305, Oklahoma: Prohibits college students from taking classes that teach about “whiteness, gender identity, implicit bias, intersectionality, cultural competency, critical theory, systemic racism, allyship, race or gender-based.” Diversity, equity, inclusion, microaggressions, social justice.”