Friend –

Restrictions on speech by public colleges and universities amount to government censorship, in violation of the Constitution.

We recognize that our universities and colleges are managing heightened tensions and threats on campuses, while trying to keep students and faculty safe. We condemn discrimination and harassment directed at individuals because of their race, ethnicity, or religion – which is not permissible or protected.

SB 1287 would unlawfully restrict protected speech on college campuses, directing government punishment based entirely on the content of the speech. SB 1287 mandates college officials engage in subjective interpretation of speech. This is a violation of students' free speech rights under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

We urgently need your help to stop this bill from moving through the legislature.

Take Action <[link removed]>

SB 1287 will foreseeably lead colleges and universities to silence a range of protected speech based on viewpoint alone. By demanding that institutions follow SB 1287's strictures, and threatening penalties when they do not, institutions will inevitably err too far and violate a speaker's constitutional rights – which will, in turn, subject both the institution and the state to liability for constitutional damages and attorneys' fees.

Existing law also already authorized institutions to adopt codes of conduct prohibiting unlawful harassment, violence, and threats that impair a student's ability to participate fully in the educational process.

Students must be able to receive a higher education in California without being required to waive their First Amendment rights.

Tell the Assembly Higher Education Committee to vote NO on SB 1287. <[link removed]>

Thanks for taking action,

Cynthia Valencia
Pronouns: she, her, hers, ella
Legislative Advocate, ACLU California Action


Donate Now <[link removed]>

Facebook Icon <[link removed]>
Twitter Icon <[link removed]>
Instagram Icon <[link removed]>

This email was sent to: [email protected]

You are receiving this message because you signed up
to receive emails from the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties,
ACLU of Northern California, ACLU of Southern California.

Unsubscribe <[link removed]>

Please note: If you forward or distribute, the links will open a page with your information filled in.

We respect your right to privacy – view our policy. <[link removed]>

This email was sent by:
ACLU California Action
P.O. Box 630
Sacramento, CA 95814