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Senate approves higher-education free-speech bill after debate about definitions and enforcement
Summary
Senators debated first substitute House Bill 159, which adopts a Davis-standard definition of discriminatory harassment for higher-education institutions and limits private causes of action; discussion centered on what 'objectively offensive' means, who enforces standards and whether administrative roles such as 'residence life official' are defined in Utah code. The bill passed on third reading, 27–1 with one absent.
Senator Curt Bramble (floor sponsor for the Senate in prior years) and Senator Wyler (floor comments) led debate on first substitute House Bill 159, legislation that seeks to protect free expression on college campuses by adopting the Davis v. Monroe standard for discriminatory harassment — conduct that is severe, pervasive, objectively offensive and effectively denies access to education.
Senator Weiler, the Senate floor sponsor, said the bill narrows overbroad campus…
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