Institutions infringing on students’ freedoms of speech and religion will jeopardize federal funding.
Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced the “Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities” final rule last week. As a condition of receiving federal grants, “public colleges and universities must not deny to a religious student group any of the rights, benefits, or privileges that other student groups enjoy.”
“This administration is committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of students, teachers, and faith-based institutions. Students should not be forced to choose between their faith and their education, and an institution controlled by a religious organization should not have to sacrifice its religious beliefs to participate in Department grants and programs,” Secretary DeVos said. “These regulations hold public institutions accountable for protecting the First Amendment rights of students and student organizations, and they require private colleges and universities that promise their students and faculty free expression, free inquiry, and diversity of thought to live up to those ideals.”
This final rule goes into effect 60 days after the official publication date in the Federal Register.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary DeVos as she leads the Department of Education.
- For the Department of Education to ensure freedom of speech and religion for American students.
- For institutions of higher learning to comply with and uphold the First Amendment protections of all students.
Sources: Department of Education, PJ Media
