Iowa House Bill HF2077

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/18/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including requiring the cancellation of the recognition or registration of public institution of higher education student organizations that support or endorse terrorism or certain specified terrorist organizations, prohibiting students enrolled in institutions of higher education who support or endorse terrorism or certain specified terrorist organizations from receiving certain specified forms of financial aid, modifying the duties of the attorney general, and including effective date provisions.

Impact

This legislation would directly influence the operational authority of student organizations across state institutions. If a student organization is found to endorse terrorism, the state attorney general is required to notify the institution to cancel their recognition, which places a significant responsibility on both the attorney general's office and educational institutions. Furthermore, students associated with such organizations may face significant consequences, including ineligibility for state financial aid in subsequent fiscal years, thereby affecting their financial resources and educational opportunities.

Summary

House File 2077, known as the Combating Terrorist Sympathizers Act, aims to address higher education policies concerning student organizations that endorse or promote terrorism. The bill mandates that public institutions of higher education cancel the recognition or registration of any student organization that endorses or promotes terrorism or the actions of foreign terrorist organizations within a prescribed timeframe. This provision applies not only to state universities but also to community colleges, indicating a broad impact on Iowa's higher education landscape.

Contention

The bill has raised concerns regarding freedom of speech and due process rights within academic settings. Critics argue that the criteria for determining what constitutes support for terrorism could be subjective, leading to potential abuses in enforcement. There is apprehension that this could create an atmosphere of fear among students who may feel they are being monitored for their political affiliations or opinions. Proponents of the bill assert that it is crucial for maintaining the integrity of educational institutions and protecting public safety by preventing the support of extremist ideologies.