If signed by Governor Bill Lee, the law would prohibit public colleges and universities from blocking invited speakers, even those with views considered discriminatory. It also protects faculty and speakers from retaliation based on their positions on homosexuality or transgender behavior, regardless of whether that opposition is motivated by religious or non-religious belief. The legislation requires institutions to adopt the University of Chicago’s Freedom of Expression Policy.
The policy states that a university’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed even if ideas are deemed offensive or immoral. Under the bill, actions such as disrupting events, blocking views, or staging walkouts that cause considerable disruption could lead to disciplinary action. Penalties may include probation, suspension, or expulsion for both students and faculty. State Representative Gino Bulso, who sponsored the bill, said it is named after Charlie Kirk “because he actually gave his life in the defense of freedom of expression and doing so in a civil manner.”
Opponents argue the bill limits protest rights. State Representative Justin Jones noted, “It’s ironic that this body is talking about free speech when we had professors in Tennessee schools expelled and suspended when they did not mourn the death of Charlie Kirk.” Kirk was a right-wing activist known for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. He was assassinated in September during a speaking event in Utah.
