Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed HB 1 (the Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act) into law, which secures freedom of speech on Georgia’s university and technical college system campuses by preventing the creation or elimination of any existing “Free Speech Zones” and designating all unrestricted outdoor areas of campus as public forums.
“Freedom of expression is one of this great nation’s fundamental liberties,” said Governor Kemp. “Here in Georgia, we will protect those rights and that which is appropriate for any place of higher learning — the ability to learn of different ideas.
“I want to thank the sponsors of this bill, especially Representative Josh Bonner and Senator Bruce Thompson, who worked so hard to get it over the finish line. I also want to thank the men and women in the General Assembly who gave this bill bipartisan support to defend freedom of speech across the 158 USG and TCSG campuses in our state.”
First Reader Summary HB 1: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to education generally, so as to provide for public forums at public institutions of higher education; to prevent the creation of “free speech zones” at public institutions of higher education; to provide for a short title; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative findings and intent; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
HB 1
Read more on HB 1 HERE.
