Governor Bullock Vetoes Campus Free Speech Bill

May 8, 2019 by AFP

HELENA, Montana – Americans for Prosperity – Montana and the ACLU of Montana expressed disappointment after Governor Steve Bullock vetoed vital legislation that would protect free expression for students and faculty on Montana’s public college campuses.

House Bill 735, The Campus Free Speech Bill, received bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, as well as from a broad coalition of state groups.

“It’s a shame Governor Bullock missed an opportunity to join a bipartisan coalition protecting free expression on our college campuses,” said AFP-MT State Director David Herbst. “Montanans support open educational environments and fair debate. Our governor seems more interested in scoring political points outside our state. We were pleased to work with a broad coalition to get this passed by both chambers and look forward to more opportunities to protect the first freedom here in Montana.”

Background:

AFP, ACLU Join Forces for Free Expression on Montana Campuses
The Campus Free Speech Bill would have:

- Protected freedom of expression in the public outdoor areas of university campuses.
- Ensured that restrictions on campus speech will only be allowed when they are clear, reasonable and narrowly tailored.
- Allowed every person to freely and peacefully demonstrate in public places on campus.