West Virginia Proposes New Bill on Free Speech

Earlier this month West Virginia State Delegate Chris Pritt introduced House Bill 3019, the Campus Free Expression Act which would require that “colleges and universities allow for the free expression for all students on campus; providing a framework and parameters for speech; and allowing for civil actions in the event that this article is violated by a college or university.” ACTA wrote to Delegate Pritt praising his efforts to support free expression on college campuses. 

Dear Delegate Pritt:  

I wanted to reach out to you in light of your recent work on HB 3019. As a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of academic freedom, academic excellence, and accountability, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) appreciates your efforts to safeguard the freedom of speech on college campuses. We share your sentiment that rational debate and the free exchange of ideas are 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 3019, or in any matter in the future, please do 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.  

Sincerely, 
Armand B. Alacbay, 
Vice President of Trustee and Government Affairs