Repost: Originally published April 6, 2026
Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Aimed at preserving freedom of expression at higher education institutions by creating accountability and deterrents for discrimination against those exercising their First Amendment rights, the “Charlie Kirk Act” passed the House Education Committee last week, bringing it one step closer to a House floor vote.
HB1476 by Rep. Gino Bulso will require public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It would also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Some of those protections include prohibiting universities and faculty from restricting guest speakers or refusing to allow student organizations from inviting a speaker to the school because of the speaker’s viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty.
Another section states that a public university shall not discriminate or retaliate against a person or deny recognition to any student group based on their sincere religious beliefs or opposition to topics like abortion, homosexuality, or transgender ideology.
During the House committee meeting, Rep. Bulso said that the bill seeks to build upon and strengthen the “Campus Free Speech Protection Act” passed by the legislature in 2017 and was named after the late Charlie Kirk because he gave his life defending such free speech.
Committee Democrats strongly objected to the legislation, with Rep. Sam McKenzie reading a statement from the Congressional Black Caucus which in part stated the bill “is not about healing, lowering the temperature of our political discourse, or even ensuring the safety of our members. It is unfortunately an attempt to legitimize Charlie Kirk’s worldview, a worldview that includes many ideals that most of us find racist, harmful, and fundamentally un-American. The American people are tired of this kind of cynical politics. It’s disheartening to see a tragedy further divide the country and suppress honest debate.”
In response, Bulso reminded committee members that despite the title, the “Charlie Kirk Act” is bipartisan and neutral in substance, requiring colleges and universities be welcome to all viewpoints and allow political, social, and other dialogue in a civil manner without violence.
“I would disagree with the points that were made by my good friend from Knox County. Charlie Kirk was not a racist. He was an inspirational young figure who wanted to be known for his courage and for his faith, and he made this country a better place,” Bulso said.
After some more political opinions from Rep. McKenzie, the question on the bill was called, and the body voted 13-4 along party lines to advance the bill to the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate has already passed its companion bill, SB174, also along party lines.
