The Students Bill of Rights Act of 2024 establishes protections for free speech and association rights of students at public colleges and universities that receive federal funding. The bill requires these institutions to allow student organizations to gain recognition without mandatory faculty advisors, prevents denial of recognition based on national affiliations, and mandates transparent, viewpoint-neutral processes for allocating student fees and charging security fees for events. Public colleges must provide written explanations and appeals processes when denying funding or recognition to student organizations, and they cannot charge security fees based on the political viewpoint or anticipated controversy of an event or speaker. Students and organizations harmed by violations can sue for damages, court costs, and attorney fees within two years of the violation, and institutions found in violation must notify the Education Department within a week and demonstrate compliance within 30 days or risk losing federal funding eligibility. The Secretary of Education must report annually to Congress on violations and enforcement actions.
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