SC H4749

Designates all outdoor areas of public college and university campuses in South Carolina as public forums where students can engage in free speech, prohibiting institutions from creating limited "free speech zones"

Protects religious, political, and ideological student organizations from losing benefits or facing discrimination based on requiring members to adhere to the organization's beliefs, conduct standards, or mission

Requires public institutions of higher education to publish free expression policies in handbooks, on websites, and during orientation, and to train administrators, campus police, residence life officials, and professors on these policies

Mandates annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1st detailing barriers to free expression, disruption incidents, and any disciplinary actions taken, with supplementary reports required within 30 days if sued for First Amendment violations

Creates a private right of action allowing aggrieved individuals or student organizations to sue for violations, with a minimum $5,000 award if a court finds a violation, plus potential injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney's fees, and waives state sovereign immunity for such lawsuits