Senate Bill 499 or the “intellectual diversity bill” would have imposed restrictions similar to David Horowitz’s “Academic Bill of Restrictions.”

The so-called “intellectual diversity” bill introduced in Missouri was based on the template advocated by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) and American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). This bills 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.