# Free Speech On Campus Act

This bill requires public colleges and universities to educate students about their First Amendment rights as a condition of receiving federal financial aid. Specifically, schools would need to provide new and transfer students with a written statement explaining what free speech protections mean, along with educational programs about these rights. The statement must affirm the school's commitment to freedom of expression and promise that students and guest speakers won't be punished for exercising their free speech rights.

The educational programming part goes beyond just handing out a document. Schools would need to offer resources—including online options—that teach students how to express different viewpoints in respectful and productive ways. These programs must also explain the school's specific policies for protecting free expression and preventing what the bill calls "exclusionary behavior." Additionally, schools would have to post this written statement on their public website so anyone can see it.

The bill only applies to public institutions that participate in federal student aid programs (like grants and loans), which covers most state universities and public colleges. Private schools are not affected. The requirement kicks in during student orientation, making it part of the initial introduction to campus life. The practical effect is that every new student would receive consistent messaging about their constitutional speech rights and the school's commitment to protecting them, rather than potentially learning about these protections haphazardly or not at all.