BUZZ
Key Takeaways
- The Kansas Legislature overrode Governor Kelly's veto of House Bill 2333, enhancing free speech protections on college campuses through the KIRK act, named after Charlie Kirk.
- The act allows lawful non-commercial expressive activities in outdoor areas on campuses, asserting rights for individuals to engage without substantial disruption.
- Opponents, including Governor Kelly and Democrat Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, argued existing free speech protections are sufficient and criticized honoring Kirk due to his controversial views.
The Kansas State Legislature overrode Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of a bill named in honor of assassinated political commentator Charlie Kirk that strengthens free speech protections on college campuses.
House Bill 2333 received two-thirds support in both chambers this month, overruling the governor’s objection.
Part of the bill, known as the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act or KIRK Act, protects “expressive activities.” It deems outdoor areas “public forums for the campus community.”
“Any individual who wishes to engage in non-commercial expressive activity on campus shall be permitted to do so freely, so long as the individual’s conduct is lawful and does not materially and substantially disrupt the functioning of the postsecondary educational institution,” the act states.
Gov. Kelly argued the bill was unnecessary as free speech is already protected, according to the Kansas Reflector.
“I have long believed that the quality of public debate in our nation has been declining, and I strongly support the toning down of political rhetoric and a return to civility,” Kelly said.
“Schools and college campuses are excellent places to begin this process. However, free speech and civil discussion are already protected by our state and federal constitutions,” she said.
Democrat Rep. Jerry Stogsdill also opposed the bill, stating that while he supports free speech, the legislature should not honor Charlie Kirk.
“He was exercising his free speech, which I totally agree with,” Stogsdill said. “But when you use your free speech to promote hate and bigotry and misogyny and racism, that is something that this body should not honor and encourage.”
Meanwhile, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Susan Estes, argued that college campuses need additional protections.
“This bill sets up neutral policies that get applied to everybody, whether you agree with them or not, to be able to speak safely, a place for counter-protesting safely,” she said. “If we can’t share our difference of opinions respectfully, then I cry for our country.”
Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp applauded the legislature for passing the bill in a statement.
“…public colleges and universities are meant to be free and open to the exchange of ideas. The KIRK Act, named in honor of free speech champion Charlie Kirk, helps ensure that Kansas’ public universities remain places where intellectual diversity flourishes and all students can engage in the exchange of ideas rather than being censored,” he wrote.
MORE: Utah Valley U. drops graduation speaker who called Charlie Kirk ‘bigoted’ after murder
