Poli Alert Politics & Civics
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Jimmy Williams
House Republicans narrowly passed the End Woke Higher Education Act on Thursday, a controversial bill that critics say could endanger public colleges’ ability to manage free speech on campus while ensuring student safety. The legislation, which passed 213-201, has ignited sharp opposition from Democrats and higher education groups, who argue it would undermine university efforts to regulate protests and protect against discriminatory or harmful incidents.
The bill prohibits public colleges from enforcing “time, place, or manner” restrictions on protests or expressive activities in generally accessible areas, such as campus quads, unless policies are narrowly tailored and content-neutral. Higher education groups like the American Council on Education (ACE) warn that the restrictions could make campuses less safe and more vulnerable to chaotic protests.
“We are particularly concerned with the impact this legislation would have on campuses’ ability to prevent discrimination and hateful incidents,” ACE wrote in a letter urging House leaders to reject the bill.
However, Republicans argue the measure is necessary to protect First Amendment rights, particularly for conservative students, who they say face increasing censorship on campuses. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., defended the bill, saying, “Institutions that systematically shut down reasoned argument and debate allow retrograde ideas to flourish. This bill seeks to reverse that trend and restore free speech at our colleges.”
The bill also includes provisions to eliminate “political litmus tests”, such as requiring diversity statements for admissions, which Republicans argue stifles free thought on campuses. While the bill is unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled Senate, it represents the Republican agenda for reshaping higher education policy, should they gain control of both chambers and the White House.
Concerns Over Campus Safety and Student Rights
Democrats voiced strong objections, accusing Republicans of undermining campus security and using the bill to push partisan politics. Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., highlighted the potential risks to student safety, saying, “This Republican bill makes it significantly harder for universities to protect students, particularly Jewish students, under the guise of ending ‘wokeness’ on campuses.”
The bill also prevents public colleges from adjusting security fees based on the anticipated reaction to a speaker, a provision that higher education associations say could force universities to subsidize potentially dangerous events. Craig Lindwarm, senior vice president at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, noted that provocative speakers could deliberately target campuses, knowing they won’t have to bear the security costs.
“States could end up subsidizing the most controversial speakers, creating a dangerous precedent,” Lindwarm said. “These provisions, individually objectionable, collectively overwhelm campus management.”
Broader Impact and Accreditation Changes
In addition to free speech protections, the act includes new limitations on college accreditors, prohibiting them from using any “ideology, belief, or viewpoint” as a standard for accreditation. This would prevent accreditors from requiring policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or addressing outcomes for marginalized students. Critics say this change would weaken oversight over efforts to improve graduation rates and educational access for underrepresented students.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chair of the House Education Committee, defended the bill, stating that “This legislation makes a strong stand for free speech. It ensures that colleges respect the First Amendment rights of students and faculty.”
Democrats, however, warned that the bill could lead to costly litigation and create a “regulatory quagmire” for universities, threatening their autonomy. The White House also criticized the legislation, arguing it would limit colleges’ ability to “make campuses welcoming to all students.”
Though the bill may not move forward in the Senate, higher education groups say the House vote sets a troubling precedent. “This is an attempt to make a political point about bias on college campuses,” Lindwarm said. “In doing so, Republicans risk undermining the very protections they claim to support.”
