Protect free speech on campus: vote “NO” on HB2867 and HB2880

Ideas are not illegal, and there is no “controversial speech” exception to the First Amendment. Our right to free speech includes advocacy for Palestine, Israel, or any population, movement, or cause. Furthermore, any limits on when, where, and how people protest must be accomplished with the least restrictive means. Please vote “NO” on HB 2867 and HB 2880. HB 2867 bill claims to combat antisemitism while ignoring the rise in discrimination against other groups of people. There have been documented threats against Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and Middle Eastern and South Asian origin students and faculty alike – all of whom deserve equal protection under the law. School rules already prohibit harassment, threats, discrimination, and violence without infringing on students’ First Amendment rights, rendering a content-based restriction like HB 2867 unnecessary. It’s clear that HB 2867 was designed to be weaponized against students and educators who express ideas contrary to government views on Israel and would sow division on campuses across our state. HB 2880 also violates the First Amendment, placing unconstitutional time, manner, and place restrictions on speech. College and university campuses are important public forums for discussion, debate, and even protests that take the form of encampments and overnight camping. Disturbingly, HB2880 would allow police to shut down speech in violation of this law without an opportunity to appeal, force school faculty and staff to order students to dismantle their encampments and initiate legal action if they resist, and subject protesters to prosecution for acts that may be protected by the First Amendment. Students and people who work in academia are often at the forefront of civil and human rights movements. Throughout history, they’ve put their futures on the line to call out injustice where they see it. Now more than ever, they should be protected, not punished. Please oppose HB 2867 and HB 2880.