TN House of Representatives passes the Charlie Kirk Act
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee House of Representatives this week passed legislation by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, to ensure college campuses remain beacons of free expression.
The Charlie Kirk Act, or House Bill 1476, requires public higher education institutions in Tennessee to adopt a policy on freedom of expression consistent with that implemented by the University of Chicago in 2015, which underscores a university’s responsibility to promote “fearless freedom of debate and deliberation.” They will also adopt a policy on political and social action, like the Kalven Report, which encourages institutional neutrality.
“Preserving campus free speech is integral to encouraging civil discourse and protecting academic freedom,” said Bulso. “The Charlie Kirk Act creates critical safeguards for students and faculty and renews the idea that our higher education institutions should be centers of intellectual debate. This legislation honors the legacy of Charlie Kirk by promoting thoughtful engagement and defending religious freedom.”
Public colleges and universities will be prohibited from disinviting a speaker because of his viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty. Additionally, they cannot prohibit or restrict a student organization or faculty member from inviting a speaker.
The Charlie Kirk Act protects academic freedom by prohibiting retaliation or discrimination against faculty based on viewpoints expressed in scholarly work or any speech or writing protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also safeguards the freedom of religion and conscience of students and faculty and prohibits denying the recognition of a student group based on religious beliefs or positions on abortion, homosexuality, or transgenderism.
The proposal honors the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a political activist who dedicated his life to open dialogue and civil debate. Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event, an organization he founded.
House Bill 1476 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law. It will immediately take effect for the purpose of adopting policies, and for all other purposes, it will take effect on July 1.
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