HB 295 Summary

• University of Alaska must remain neutral on public policy matters except as necessary for university administration and may not pressure students or faculty to express particular viewpoints on policy issues.

• University cannot discriminate against student organizations or deny them benefits based on the content of their expression, including ideas based on sincerely held beliefs or organizational mission.

• Board of Regents must adopt a comprehensive free expression policy covering intellectual freedom, freedom of assembly, protection of invited speakers, and regulations on time/place/manner restrictions that are viewpoint-neutral and content-neutral.

• Disciplinary procedures for violations of free expression policies must include written notice, evidence review, witness confrontation, legal representation for suspensions exceeding 30 days, and mandatory minimum one-year suspension or expulsion for students found twice to have infringed on others' expressive rights.

• Attorney general or aggrieved persons may sue for injunctive relief and damages of $1,000 or actual damages (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees for violations of the free expression and nondiscrimination requirements.