Rep. Walberg, Sen. Lankford, Sen. Scott Introduce Equal Campus Access Act

Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-05), Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Equal Campus Access Act. The legislation would amend the Higher Education Act to clarify that no funds shall be made available to a public institution that denies a religious student group any right similarly afforded to other student organizations because of the religious group's beliefs, practices, or leadership standards.

"Over the past few years, we have seen a concerning increase of incidents on college campuses where free speech and free association of students has been restricted due to religious beliefs," said Rep. Walberg. "We should strive to reaffirm diverse theological beliefs and solidify religious freedom rather than encouraging discrimination. Students should not have to give up their First Amendment rights of speech, religion, and association to attend a public college, and this piece of legislation will ensure that these religious groups are afforded the same rights and protections as other student organizations."

"On America's college campuses, freedom of expression is under attack," said Sen. Lankford. "Colleges need to remain an open arena for debate, discussion-and most importantly-faith. It is shameful that the Biden Administration is working to eliminate a rule that guarantees religious student organizations are not denied recognition, funding or any other rights that secular groups receive. We must ensure that our nation's public colleges and universities are truly neutral toward all religious student organizations."

"Too many public institutions of higher learning are silencing the voices of faith-based student groups, and I am proud to join my colleagues in standing up for the First Amendment," said Sen. Scott. "Freedom of speech isn't just a nice idea -it's a core American ideal."

Background:
In response to incidents on college campuses where religious student organizations lost rights, benefits, and privileges due to faith-based practices, the Trump administration established a rule in 2020 requiring officials to withdraw federal support for colleges and universities that restrict the activities of religious organizations on campus. In February 2023, the Biden administration proposed rescinding the Trump-Era rule, opening the door for faith-based discrimination on campuses. The Equal Campus Act would codify the Trump-Era rule.