IL HB5387

Requires governing boards of all Illinois public universities and community colleges to adopt free expression policies affirming that institutions must ensure intellectual freedom and may not shield individuals from protected speech they find offensive

Designates outdoor public areas of campuses as public forums open to any speaker, and prohibits institutions from charging different fees for invited speakers based on viewpoint or expected reaction to their speech

Establishes a 23-member Committee on Free Expression under the Board of Higher Education, with representatives from each public university, community colleges, faculty, and students, to issue annual reports on barriers to free expression and disciplinary actions

Requires students facing suspension longer than 30 days or expulsion for expressive conduct to have the right to counsel at disciplinary hearings

Authorizes the Attorney General or individuals whose expressive rights are violated to bring court actions for injunctive relief, with mandatory awards of court costs and attorney's fees if violations are found