Republican North Carolina Rep. Greg Murphy introduced two pieces of legislation Thursday aimed to protect free speech on college campuses and universities in the United States.
The Daily Caller first obtained the resolution condemning compelled speech on college campuses and the piece of legislation titled the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act. The first resolution condemns the practice of requiring the support of an ideology or political movement during the admissions or hiring process. The resolution targets public universities that could make students make a pledge regarding diversity, equity or inclusion.
In 2021, North Carolina State University included an essay question on applications saying the university is ‘committed to building a just and inclusive community’ and rejects ‘unjust or inhumane treatment’ and will denounce it ‘clearly and loudly.’ The school also told students to write a 250-word essay that describes “what those words mean to you and how you will contribute to a more diverse and inclusive environment,'” The Carolina Journal reported.
“Our universities should be focused on attracting the best and the brightest – not by ideology – when it comes to both students and staff,” Murphy told the Caller before introducing the resolution. “The sad reality of this is that students and professors are oftentimes compelled to sideline their personal beliefs and conform to the woke mob. That is why I am introducing this resolution to condemn a malpractice that so drastically distorts the education of America’s future generations, especially at taxpayer-funded universities.” (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans Introduce Legislation That Would Ban Biden From Canceling Student Loan Debt)
North Carolina Rep. Dan Bishop joined Murphy in cosponsoring the resolution.
READ THE BILLS HERE:
(DAILY CALLER OBTAINED) — … by Henry Rodgers
(DAILY CALLER OBTAINED) — … by Henry Rodgers
The other piece of legislation, the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act, was originally introduced in 2021. Murphy reintroduced it Thursday. The bill would require public and private universities to report First Amendment violations to the Department of Education and publicly share campus policies on free speech. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Murphy, House Republicans Call On Biden To End COVID Public Health Emergency)
“Students learn best when they’re in an environment where they can express their opinions and ask questions,” Murphy said about the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act. “Unfortunately, many institutions teach diversity in all things except opinion. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to put a long-overdue check on woke universities and ensure students’ First Amendment rights are duly protected.”
Wisconsin Rep. Glenn Grothman, Texas Rep. Brian Babin, Wisconsin Rep. Scott Fitzgerald and Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany cosponsored that legislation with Murphy.