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Bills / S.B. 295

S.B. 295 Intellectual Diversity in Education and Government

Became lawWritten by Sen. John D. Johnson · carried in the House by Rep. Katy Hall

  1. Introduced
  2. Senate committee
  3. Senate vote
  4. House committee
  5. House vote
  6. Signed into law

What this bill does

The bill would require Utah public colleges to hold public policy events each year that present competing viewpoints, some as structured debates, and to publish a public calendar of them. It would also bar public institutions from compelling belief or punishing dissent, and set Board of Higher Education compliance reviews and K-12 club standards that bar approving or denying clubs based on ideology.

Plain-English summary written by AI from the sponsor’s presentation in committee and on the floor. Check the official text below.

Official description
  • defines terms
  • amends provisions regarding prohibited discriminatory practices, submissions, and training within the public and higher education systems and state government, including reporting requirements
  • amends provisions regarding curricular and noncurricular clubs within the public education system, including ensuring objective and uniform treatment of noncurricular clubs
  • provides that existing prohibitions on a discriminatory practice does not restrict a presentation or instruction by a guest lecturer in an academic course or a speaker who speaks at an institution of higher education by invitation
  • requires each institution of higher education to:
  • organize certain events on public policy issues, including debates and representation of differing perspectives
  • provide public accessibility and transparency through event calendars
  • makes technical and conforming changes
Full text and history on le.utah.gov →
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Every vote

Hearings and debates