Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish the "Intellectual Freedom Protection Act," which seeks to regulate public postsecondary institutions in Minnesota. Its primary intent is to ensure that these institutions do not require students or faculty to make pledges or statements about political ideologies, diversity, equity, inclusion, or patriotism as a condition of admission, hiring, or promotion.

Main Provisions

• Admission and Hiring: Public postsecondary institutions cannot demand pledges or statements of support or opposition to any political ideology or related topics, such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and patriotism, from applicants or current members.
• Use of Statements: If a statement or pledge is submitted voluntarily, it cannot influence decisions about admission, hiring, or promotion.
• Training Materials: Institutions must publicly post all training materials related to nondiscrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, sex, or bias, along with their policies on these topics.
• Legal Actions: Individuals who believe their rights have been violated under this act can sue the institution for declaratory relief, injunctions, damages, court costs, and attorney fees. Such cases must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.
• Attorney General Enforcement: The Attorney General can file suits to stop practices that violate the act and impose a civil penalty of $100,000 for each violation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Requirements for Pledges: This bill introduces a prohibition on requiring pledges about political beliefs as part of academic or employment conditions, which is a change from any existing policies that previously allowed such requirements.
• Increased Transparency: The requirement for posting training materials related to diversity and nondiscrimination aims to increase transparency within public postsecondary institutions.
• Legal Frameworks: The act provides individuals with a defined legal framework to challenge violations, involving both personal suits and actions by the Attorney General.

Relevant Terms

intellectual freedom, political ideology, diversity, equity, inclusion, patriarchism, public postsecondary institutions, nondiscrimination, transparency, attorney general, civil penalty, academic freedom, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, legal action, civil rights.