COLUMBUS – A couple of central Ohio Republicans want to protect speakers’ appearances at Ohio colleges and want schools to punish students who disrupt them.
State Reps. Andrew Brenner, of Powell (right, at podium), and Wesley Goodman, of Cardington, announced the Campus Free Speech Act Tuesday.
It would restrict creation of campus “free speech zones” and require colleges to establish sanctions for students who interfere with “the free expression of others.”
“You only need to turn on the news to see the disregard with which free speech rights are treated on campuses around the country,” Brenner said. “A mentality is creeping into our culture that views disagreeable speech as inherently hateful, or even violent. We must act now to ensure our students understand and receive full protection for their speech rights.”
Under the bill, which Brenner and Goodman hope to introduce soon, campuses could be sued if someone feels First Amendment rights were restricted.
The measure also prevents what are known as “heckler’s vetoes” by prohibiting universities from disinviting certain speakers because of protests.
The legislation makes student activity fees optional and requires universities to distribute activity fees “in a manner that is neutral to each organization’s viewpoint and expression.”
Similar bills are emerging around the country, as conservatives react to recent decisions by universities to cancel certain speakers for fear of violent protests. Opponents worry such bills are too far-reaching.
Cincinnati-based Citizens for Community Values backs Ohio’s bill.