HIGHER ED:
Senate Bill 2320 Free Speech at Higher Education Institutions Position: Supported amendment Outcome: Passed – Win North Dakota United members were perplexed with this bill, which at first glance seemed to promote a positive, democratic ideal: allow anyone on a higher education campus to have their own ideas, and express them freely. However, it had darker undertones of regulating what a professor could say during class time, even making them vulnerable to potential lawsuits if they expressed their ideas. Thankfully, Senator Erin Oban (D-35) was able to offer and pass amendments that removed the concerning language. Up through the end of the session more attempts were made to amend this bill, but they ultimately failed, leaving a bill that basically promotes freedom of speech and freedom of assembly on college campuses. This vote is not included in the scorecard, as the vote on the Senate floor amendments were made by voice and there is no record of each Senator’s individual vote.
House Concurrent Resolution 3016 Removes References to Names, Locations, and Missions of Higher Education Institutions Position: Opposed Outcome: Passed House 56-32, Failed Senate 3-41 - Win HCR 3016 represented the ominous notion of removing references to North Dakota’s higher education institutions from the state constitution. Allowing this resolution would have given the legislature the authority to close any or all of the higher ed campuses across the state, issuing a terrible effect on not only the surrounding community. These colleges and universities are training grounds for the next generation, which pull needed young people into communities of all sizes, and also act as valuable economic engines.
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