HR0050 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0050 LRB101 07303 MST 52343 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The primary function of institutions of higher education is the discovery, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge by engaging in teaching, research, open discussions, and free debate; and

WHEREAS, This tradition of openness and freedom is the foundation of knowledge creation and has produced many of the greatest universities and colleges in the world; and

WHEREAS, Rene Descartes stated that "if you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things"; and

WHEREAS, Colleges and universities are increasingly stifling viewpoints which may be considered controversial by some, unilaterally cancelling scheduled speeches by certain commentators, and limiting the right to assemble or protest to so-called "free speech zones"; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "Speech codes adopted by government-financed state colleges and universities amount to government censorship, in violation of the Constitution; the ACLU believes that all campuses should adhere to First Amendment principles because academic freedom is a bedrock of education in a free society"; and

WHEREAS, These policies are inherently at odds with the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and they inhibit the free exchange of ideas at campuses across the country; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we condemn restrictive speech policies at institutions of higher education, and we urge those institutions with such policies in place to reverse their decisions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That it is in the interest of our State and our nation to have a well-informed population that has been exposed to all sides of an argument, as this can only lead to better perspective, better decision-making, and mutual respect on controversial issues; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Chairperson of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board, and the Presidents of Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Governors State University, Illinois State University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, the University of Illinois system, and Western Illinois University.