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Committee advances bill to protect students from compelled advocacy in state higher education
Summary
House Bill 204, aimed at preventing compelled speech and providing conscience accommodations at state institutions, was advanced after contentious public comment and a sponsor promise to tighten language (including a definition of "activity").
Representative Mike Peterson told the Senate Education Committee HB 204 responds to cases where students said professors required public advocacy as part of graded work. Peterson recounted receiving reports — including from his daughter in graduate school — that prompted the legislation.
Law professor Robin Frewell Wilson, speaking as a consultant to the sponsor, framed two core protections in the bill: a prohibition on instructors compelling students to publicly advocate a specific viewpoint, and a process allowing accommodations for students whose religious belief or conscience conflicts with mandated assignments in required courses,…
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