Senate bill to shield campus belief-based student groups draws sharp debate in committee hearing

Senator Brad Hudson told the House Committee on Emerging Issues he sponsored Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 160 to protect belief-based student associations at public community colleges and technical schools from adverse action by institutions because of an association's beliefs or leaders' actions.

"Specifically, these institutions shall not deny a belief based student association such as a political, ideological, or religious association any benefits that are available to other student groups," Hudson said during opening remarks. He described the bill as a codification of existing First Amendment protections and said it would reduce litigation risk for colleges.

Debate during the hearing focused on the tension between viewpoint protections and concerns about discriminatory or harassing conduct. Hudson and witnesses…