House Bill 1562 Summary

• Establishes the "Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act" to protect freedom of speech and expression on Mississippi state college and university campuses

• Prohibits state institutions of higher learning from denying religious, political, or ideological student organizations benefits, privileges, or funding available to other student organizations based on the organization's expression or beliefs

• Designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where members of the campus community may engage in spontaneous expressive activities, protests, and assemblies without designated "free speech zones"

• Requires state institutions to develop and publish policies on free expression in handbooks, websites, and orientation programs, and to train administrators, police, and staff on complying with these freedoms

• Authorizes lawsuits against institutions and employees for violations, providing for injunctive relief, monetary damages of at least $5,000, attorneys' fees, and court costs, with a one-year statute of limitations and waiver of state sovereign immunity