Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF5458

Introduced
5/7/24  

Caption

Cancellation of student organizations endorsing terrorism required, and financial aid eligibility for students who endorse terrorism removed.

Impact

The implications of HF5458 extend to state education policies, as it seeks to create a framework for addressing risks associated with terrorism on college campuses. By stipulating that institutions must take action against organizations that endorse or condone terrorist actions, the bill aims to enhance security on campuses and establish a more vigilant oversight mechanism for student groups. This legislation is designed to ensure that state-funded educational institutions do not support or provide resources to entities perceived as endorsing terrorism.

Summary

House Bill 5458 addresses the issue of student organizations in postsecondary institutions endorsing terrorism. The bill mandates that any institution that finds a student organization endorsing or promoting terrorism must cancel its recognition and cease any financial support. This applies to institutions governed by the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, and eligible private postsecondary institutions. Furthermore, any students known to be members of such organizations must be reported to the Office of Higher Education for further action.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining campus security and protecting students' rights to free speech and association. Critics argue that the broad definitions of 'terrorism' and 'terrorist organizations' could be misused to target groups or individuals based on political beliefs or expressions that do not constitute actual endorsement of violence. There are concerns about the lack of clear guidelines on how endorsements are determined, as well as the potential chilling effect on student discourse and activism on campuses. Proponents assert that the bill is necessary to ensure that educational environments remain safe from ideologies that threaten society.

Companion Bills

MN SF5514

Similar To Student organizations endorsing terrorism cancellation requirement provision and removing all financial aid eligibility for students who endorse terrorism

Previously Filed As

MN SF5514

Student organizations endorsing terrorism cancellation requirement provision and removing all financial aid eligibility for students who endorse terrorism

MN HF2077

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.

MN HB2759

Student organizations; terrorism; withholding monies

MN HB4502

Relating to creating the criminal offenses of terrorism and terroristic hoax.

MN SB4274

No Flights for Terrorists Act

MN HB3599

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.

MN HB6120

NO OIL for Terrorists Act Negating Opportunities for Oil Income Leveraged for Terrorists Act

MN SB1518

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

MN HB4968

Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.

MN SB3132

Where Are The Terrorists Now Act

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.