Tennessee Lawmakers Pass 'Charlie Kirk Act' to Strengthen Campus Free Speech
Tennessee lawmakers have passed House Bill 1476, known as the Charlie Kirk Act, which significantly alters freedom of speech policies on university campuses across the state. The legislation, approved by a vote of 74 to 22, mandates that public colleges and universities adopt the University of Chicago’s free speech principles. It explicitly prohibits institutions from disinviting speakers based on their viewpoints, including those regarding homosexuality and abortion, or due to threats of protest. Furthermore, the bill imposes disciplinary actions, such as suspension or expulsion, on students and faculty who disrupt events through protests or walkouts. Named after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in Utah in 2025, the bill aims to establish neutrality on divisive social issues. While sponsor Gino Bulso argues it defends expression, critics like PEN America contend it stifles counter-speech through excessive punishment. The bill now awaits approval from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
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Tennessee Lawmakers Pass 'Charlie Kirk Act' to Strengthen Campus Free Speech
Tennessee lawmakers have passed House Bill 1476, known as the Charlie Kirk Act, which significantly alters freedom of speech policies on university campuses across the state. The legislation, approved by a vote of 74 to 22, mandates that public colleges and universities adopt the University of Chicago’s free speech principles. It explicitly prohibits institutions from disinviting speakers based on their viewpoints, including those regarding homosexuality and abortion, or due to threats of protest. Furthermore, the bill imposes disciplinary actions, such as suspension or expulsion, on students and faculty who disrupt events through protests or walkouts. Named after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in Utah in 2025, the bill aims to establish neutrality on divisive social issues. While sponsor Gino Bulso argues it defends expression, critics like PEN America contend it stifles counter-speech through excessive punishment. The bill now awaits approval from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Newsweek