Relating to speech and expression at certain eligible institutions and accredited private institutions of higher education, and providing for remedies

The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill makes the requirements relating to public forums, freedom of expression, and freedom of association at community colleges and regents universities under Code chapter 261H applicable to accredited private institutions and for-profit eligible institutions whose students receive state assistance through the Iowa tuition grant program administered by the college student aid commission. Under the bill, institutions that are not in compliance with Code chapter 261H do not meet the definitions for “accredited private institution” and “eligible institution”, making students attending such institutions ineligible for Iowa tuition grants. Currently under Code chapter 261H, public postsecondary institutions must adopt a policy that includes statements describing the functions and roles of institutions with regard to knowledge, protected speech, the freedom to discuss, and the freedom to assemble and engage in spontaneous expressive activities subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions; describes protected activities; establishes the outdoor areas of campuses of public postsecondary institutions must be deemed public forums; and establishes remedies, a statute of limitations, and immunity provisions.