ACTA Sends Letter of Support on Montana House Bill 218

On February 5, 2021, ACTA sent a letter to Montana Representative Mike Hopkins in support of House Bill 218. The bill defines what constitutes “expressive activity” on campuses under state law, clarifies that any outdoor area on campus is considered a public forum, and outlines what forms of speech constitute “noncommercial expressive activity.” Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 218 into law on April 15, 2021. The text of the letter can be found below. 

I wanted to reach out to you in light of your recent work on HB 218. As a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of academic freedom, excellence, and accountability, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) appreciates your efforts to safeguard the freedom of expression on campus. We share your sentiment that the free and open exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of both higher education and our democracy.  

In this spirit, I would like to offer our aid if there is any way we can be of assistance. For over 25 years, ACTA has worked with trustees and public officials across the country to ensure that all Americans can receive a high-quality education at an affordable price. We have testified before various state legislatures and commissions in states including Florida, New Jersey, Alaska, Georgia, Montana, Texas, and Pennsylvania, on matters such as curricular quality, academic assessment, and institutional accountability.  

If there is anything we can do to help your efforts to support HB 218, or in any matter in the future, please to not hesitate to reach out to me directly.    

We are immensely grateful for your commitment to American higher education, and I look forward to hearing from you in the future. 

Sincerely, 

Armand Alacbay 
Vice President of Trustee & Government Affairs