NJ AR54

Urges all New Jersey colleges and universities to protect freedom of expression and open debate on campus to provide high-quality education and prepare students for democratic participation

Cites growing political polarization since the early 1990s, accelerated by the Internet and 24-hour news cycle, leading to increased hostility toward differing views and desire to censor opposing opinions

References the 2014 incident where former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice declined to speak at Rutgers University commencement after faculty and student protests demanded her invitation be rescinded

Notes that nearly 60 percent of students report self-censoring their views when not among like-minded peers or instructors due to fear of social consequences

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the Governor, Secretary of Higher Education, and governing boards of all state higher education institutions