Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB164

Introduced
1/4/22  
Refer
1/4/22  

Caption

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

Impact

The bill requires state universities to actively develop and disseminate materials that outline their policies on freedom of expression. It puts accountability measures in place by mandating annual reports that detail actions taken to comply with the act and any incidents of disruption to free speech. The act defines various terms related to speech and expression, clarifying what constitutes harassment and disruption, which is critical to ensuring that student expression is safeguarded while balancing institutional interests.

Summary

House Bill 164, known as the 'Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act', seeks to enhance the protection of freedom of speech on college campuses in Mississippi. This legislation prohibits state institutions of higher learning from discriminating against religious, political, or ideological student organizations in their access to benefits and privileges available to other student organizations. It emphasizes the necessity for institutions to treat all student groups equally regardless of their expressive content, effectively mandating equal treatment under the law for diverse viewpoints.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 164, particularly regarding its implications for campus discipline and the balance of free speech with maintaining an academic environment. Critics may argue that it could lead to challenges in managing politically charged situations or prevent universities from enforcing necessary campus policies. The language of the bill intends to protect students' rights to express their views while simultaneously outlining that any disruptions must not infringe on the rights of others to express theirs, leading to debates about the enforcement and interpretation of such provisions. Furthermore, the statute of limitations for bringing claims under this act adds an aspect of urgency and encourages players within the academic community to be vigilant regarding compliance.

Final_note

Overall, the FORUM Act is a significant move by the Mississippi legislature aimed at fortifying the principles of free speech in educational settings, yet it also invites discourse on the potential unintended consequences of such legal frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB326

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS HB375

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS HB302

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS SB2772

Universities; enact the Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act.

MS HB4786

The Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act

MS HB2390

The Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act

MS HB5666

The Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act

MS H3582

Forming Open and Robust Minds (FORUM) Act

MS SB1388

Postsecondary education: Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act.

MS HB3490

The Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act

Similar Bills

MS HB326

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS HB302

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS HB375

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

MS SB2772

Universities; enact the Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act.

CA SB1388

Postsecondary education: Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act.

LA HB340

Creates the Personal Online Account Privacy Protection Act (EN NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

AZ HB2410

Environmental programs; amendments

CA AB2081

Postsecondary education: Campus Free Speech Act.