Press Releases

WASHINGTON — On March 15, Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) and Education and Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-5) announced the introduction of H.R. 7683, the Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act.

Eighteen Representatives have now added their names as cosponsors to this legislation, which safeguards students by making free speech protections on campus a condition which must be met by colleges and universities seeking to receive Title IV funds under the Higher Education Act (HEA). Additionally, it requires institutions to publicly disclose all First Amendment policies it holds on an annual basis.

As a member of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, Rep. Williams is acutely aware of the importance of free speech protections to discourse between opposing perspectives in an academic setting, which is, itself, a vital part of the educational process.

“Americans’ confidence in postsecondary education is declining, and it’s easy to see why. Inconsistent protection of student and faculty First Amendment rights stifles discourse and creates a culture of uncertainty over what can and cannot be said,” said Rep. Williams.

“Families spend years planning and saving to send their children to college. We place our trust in these institutions to educate our kids and prepare them for careers as informed, well-rounded citizens. This trust is too often betrayed.”

Cosponsors include Representatives Thompson (PA-15), Kiley (CA-3), Owens (UT-4), Wilson (SC-2), McClain (MI-9), Walberg (MI-5), Houchin (IN-9), Crenshaw (TX-2), Allen (GA-12), Chavez-DeRemer (OR-5), Harris (MD-1), Steel (CA-45), Bean (FL-4), Banks (IN-3), Burlison (MO-7), Miller (IL-15), Higgins (LA-3), and Van Drew (NJ-2)

The full bill text is available here.

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