Anthony Kern, Legislative District 27 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Anthony Kern, Legislative District 27 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Legislation aimed at safeguarding free speech within Arizona's public universities has advanced in the Senate with unanimous Republican backing. Senator Anthony Kern led efforts to pass several bills after hearings by the Joint Legislative Ad Hoc Committee on Freedom of Expression at Arizona's Public Universities highlighted concerning issues.
The central piece of legislation, SB 1304, seeks to ensure that the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) is held responsible for maintaining oversight over public universities. This bill mandates ABOR and each community college district governing board to adopt a policy that protects students and faculty engaged in expressive activities from penalties or retaliation. The bill also requires transparency by obligating academic units to post course information, including syllabi, online.
Senator Kern commented, "It's clear state resources have been previously used to inhibit students' fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression on public university campuses." He emphasized the importance of protecting all students and ensuring that professors with conservative views are not marginalized. "We also need to make sure ABOR is actually doing its job," he added.
SB 1304 will proceed to the House for further consideration.
Alerts Sign-up