Local state Rep. Jim Walsh has introduced a bill that he says would protect free speech on public college campuses following protests and threats of violence that shut down The Evergreen State College in Olympia for three days recently.

The legislation would require all state-funded colleges and universities to adopt a set of principles that support the free exchange of ideas. It would also prohibit schools from revoking invitations to controversial speakers or establishing free speech zones, which are areas set aside from shared public spaces for political expression.

Evergreens campus was rocked by protest and controversy in late May when Bret Weinstein, a biology professor, wrote a widely-shared email criticizing a demonstration in which white faculty and students were encouraged to leave campus. In past years, minorities have voluntarily left campus for a day to raise awareness about what life would be like without people of color.

Thurston County law enforcement eventually received death threats against faculty at Evergreen after a series of protests, prompting the schools closure.

We need to protect our deeply-held commitment to freedom of speech and free academic inquiry at state universities, Walsh said in a press release. The vulgar, closed-minded tyranny that weve seen recently at Evergreen State has no place on campuses funded with public resources. This bill protects both students and teachers. It reminds our public universities that they must encourage the ability to think, speak clearly and express opinions freely.

Walsh could not be reached for further comment at press time.

Protests at liberal college campuses across the country have flared up repeatedly over the past year. On Jan. 20, a man was shot at the University of Washington by a Milo Yiannopoulos supporter outside a protest in response to a speech by the alt-right leader. In April, the University of California in Berkeley revoked conservative author Ann Coulters invitation to speak in response to student protests and riots.

Walshs bill, HB 2223, has been referred to the House Higher Education Committee and awaits a public hearing.

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Jim Walsh introduces bill to protect free speech on college campuses - Longview Daily News