STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2022) – A new law supported by State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) protects free speech at public colleges and universities throughout Indiana.
Cherry said the new law, signed by the governor in mid-March and unanimously supported by legislators, prevents free speech zones from popping up on college campuses. These zones are established by administrators and confine free speech to designated areas where students are then allowed to speak, protest or advocate for a cause. He said these regulated and sectioned areas are often in remote locations, and infringe on the First Amendment right protecting speech in public areas.
"Our God-given right of free speech must be protected, including in places of higher learning where there is often an abundance of different opinions and ideologies," Cherry said. "It's important we continue advocating for free speech, especially as it faces ongoing attacks and threats of censorship when people don't agree with certain views."
Jeter, co-author of the law, said this legislation also prevents colleges from discriminating against and denying benefits to student groups on the basis of religion, political affiliation or ideology, and sets clear guidelines for Indiana colleges and universities to ensure free speech is permitted.
"The First Amendment embodies American freedom and liberty," Jeter said. "This new law ensures that free speech will be protected in Indiana, including on college campuses. When free speech is confined to a designated area, it's an infringement, even if it's cleverly called a 'free speech zone.'"
Jeter said this law is an important step in providing clear guidance to higher education institutions in Indiana.
For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
