(The Center Square) – A Tennessee bill that its sponsor says promotes “fearless freedom of debate and deliberation” and is on its way to second-term Republican Gov. Bill Lee.
Senate Bill 1741/House Bill 1476 would bar the state’s colleges and universities from rescinding invitations to speakers because of their politics, according to its sponsor, Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood. Students or faculty who protest during a speech could also face discipline under the bill.
The bill, known as the Charlie Kirk Act, passed the Senate in March and the House of Representatives on Monday, following contentious debate. Kirk, a conservative commentator, was killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Bulso said, despite its name, the bill is nonpartisan.
“Preserving campus free speech is integral to encouraging civil discourse and protecting academic freedom,” said Bulso. “The Charlie Kirk Act creates critical safeguards for students and faculty and renews the idea that our higher education institutions should be centers of intellectual debate. This legislation honors the legacy of Charlie Kirk by promoting thoughtful engagement and defending religious freedom.”
Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, said he felt Kirk made comments that are “abhorrent, they’re racist, objectively, and you name this piece of legislation after a horrible human who thought this way about people who look like me and members of this Black Caucus.”
Bulso said Kirk devoted his life to open, civil debate.
“Charlie Kirk was someone who was against policies that promoted” diversity, equity and inclusion, Bulso said. “In fact, representative, I think you’re aware that even in this body, we continue to work against policies that put DEI into our public colleges and universities.”
The bill passed 74-22 along party lines. If Lee signs the bill, the state’s colleges and universities will be required to adopt policies that indicate neutrality on political and social issues. The rest of the bill would take effect July 1.
