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Kansas Senate committee hears dueling views on 'Kirk Act' to expand campus free-speech rights
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Education Committee SB 419 would protect student expression at public colleges and allow civil remedies; opponents said the bill could enable discrimination by student groups, politicize campuses and produce unintended litigation or safety risks.
Supporters told the Kansas Senate Education Committee on Feb. 20 that Senate Bill 419, nicknamed the "Kirk Act," would codify student and student-association rights to political and ideological expression at public colleges and universities, while opponents warned the measure could enable discrimination, invite outside interference and deepen campus conflicts.
Tamara Lawrence, committee reviser, outlined SB 419 and told the committee the bill would treat outdoor campus areas as public forums, prohibit designated speech zones, allow reasonable time-place-and-manner restrictions, require institutions to publish policies and training materials, and establish a private civil cause of action with possible damages, costs and fees.…
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