SPRINGFIELD – In the face of growing threats to higher education from the Trump administration, State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to establish academic freedom at Illinois universities passed committee.

“Places of higher education learning should be sanctuaries of free learning, debate and challenging ideas,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Students and faculty should not be pressured to suppress their political or academic opinions.”

Guzmán’s measure would provide that a faculty member of a public institution of higher education may not be directed, coerced or penalized concerning the specific content, viewpoint or method of teaching. The bill would require the Illinois State Board of Higher Education, State Community College Board and individual community college districts to adopt and enforce new rules.

These rules include creating a right for students and faculty members to freely discuss the subject matter of teaching material without fear of discipline. It also would create a right affording students and faculty members full freedom in research and in the publication of the results of that research without fear of discipline. Finally, the bill would affirm the right of faculty to publicly or privately express views on university policies and practices without fear of discipline and the right of faculty to attend a political rally, comment on political issues while off duty, without fear of discipline.

The measure comes as the Trump administration continues to threaten education funding and demand an unprecedented role in university admission, curriculum and operations. The American Civil Liberties Union has published an open letter to colleges and universities urging them to reject federal pressure to surveil or punish international students and faculty based on constitutionally accepted speech.

“The assault on free speech by the Trump administration is deeply concerning and we must ensure Illinois is secure against these kinds of attacks,” said Guzmán. “As Illinoisans, we have a right to speak on the issues that matter to us, to criticize ideas we don’t agree with, and stand for ourselves and our communities at public protest. We must ensure these rights are preserved.”

Senate Bill 2202 has passed the Senate Executive Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.