NY A02309

Regents must adopt a free speech policy for all SUNY and CUNY institutions within 120 days of enactment, establishing colleges as places of free expression and productive discourse.

Policy must protect students' and faculty's rights to share ideas, allow protests and invited speakers regardless of viewpoint, and require campuses to remain neutral on political controversies.

Disciplinary procedures must address conduct that materially disrupts free expression, with penalties including one-week suspension for first offense, two-week minimum for second offense, full semester suspension for third offense, and expulsion for fourth offense.

Incoming students must receive education on the free speech policy through workshops, seminars, and other programs covering the policy details, penalties, and complaint procedures.

Individuals whose expressive rights are violated may sue in court to enjoin violations and recover compensatory damages, court costs, and attorney's fees; Regents must report annually to leadership on policy effectiveness and violations.