Senate Bill 2651 and House Bill 1253, similar to the “intellectual diversity bill” would have imposed restrictions similar to David Horowitz’s “Academic Bill of Restrictions.”

The so-called “intellectual diversity” bill which SB 2651 and HB1253 were modeled after was based on the template advocated by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). This bill and similar proposals to restrict the free exchange of ideas in higher education would have forced year in, year out scrutiny from politicians into what is being taught, and how it is being taught— a sure recipe for a climate where faculty members feel they have to favor “balance” and “sensitivity” over scholarship and real learning. It would force universities to restrict and regulate the views discussed in classrooms and the views of speakers.