Rep. Runestad introduces legislation to protect free speech on campus

State Rep. Jim Runestad, of White Lake, has introduced legislation to ensure the freedoms of speech and assembly are not restricted on the campuses of public colleges and universities.

Runestad’s resolution proposes amending the Michigan Constitution to clarify the Legislature’s ability to enact laws that protect the rights of free speech, expression and assembly at institutions of higher education. Because the resolution proposes a constitutional amendment, the measure would have to be placed on the ballot and approved by a majority of voters before becoming law.

“The right to free expression is a core American value that’s particularly important at colleges, where our young people gain a better understanding of their beliefs and, often, find their voices,” Runestad said. “Campuses should be areas where a wide range of perspectives are expressed. Instead, restrictive policies are allowing administrators to pick and choose the ideas to which students are exposed.”

Runestad said instances of colleges in Michigan hampering free speech on campus caught his attention – in particular, a case at Kellogg Community College in which students were arrested for handing out copies of the U.S. Constitution because they hadn’t obtained a permit to do so.

“Publically funded universities shouldn’t be allowed to control when, where and which people are allowed to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights,” Runestad said. “The U.S. Supreme Court has held that First Amendment protections should apply with the same force on college campuses as they do in the rest of the community, but officials at many public universities still seem to think the U.S. Constitution doesn’t apply everywhere on campus.

“My resolution will make it absolutely clear that the Legislature has authority to take action to ensure that universities receiving public tax dollars are not restricting the rights of the people of Michigan.”

House Joint Resolution P has been referred to the House Oversight Committee for consideration.