Student organizations endorsing terrorism cancellation requirement provision and removing all financial aid eligibility for students who endorse terrorism
Impact
Under this bill, not only must organizations be canceled if they engage in such endorsements, but there are also significant implications for student financial aid. Students who are members of these organizations will be ineligible for state financial aid, including grants and scholarships, if found to have endorsed terrorism. This aims to create a strong regulatory framework to deter such endorsements while enforcing accountability among institutions for their student bodies.
Summary
Senate File 5514 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the issue of student organizations in higher education that endorse or promote terrorism. It mandates that postsecondary institutions in Minnesota must cancel the recognition of any student organization that is found to support terrorism in any form. The bill outlines the definitions of terrorism and terrorist organizations, based on established federal law, and applies to institutions governed by both the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and the University of Minnesota, as well as private postsecondary institutions.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SF5514 include the balance between maintaining free speech rights within student organizations and the state's duty to counteract terrorism. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to the suppression of legitimate speech and debate on campuses, fearing a chilling effect on student activism and expression. Proponents, however, argue that condemning terrorism should take precedence and that institutions must uphold a safe, educational environment free from the influence or endorsement of harmful ideologies.
Similar To
Cancellation of student organizations endorsing terrorism required, and financial aid eligibility for students who endorse terrorism removed.
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.
Relating to creating the criminal offenses of providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization, engaging in terroristic activities, and threatened terroristic violence.
Certain policy changes provision to postsecondary attainment goals, student financial aid, institutional licensure provisions, and institutional grant programs
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.