This bill amends existing Florida statutes to enhance the autonomy of public postsecondary education institutions by ensuring they are free from undue government influence and interference. Specifically, it requires the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to guarantee that Florida College System institutions and state universities, respectively, maintain academic independence in areas such as curriculum design, faculty appointments, research activities, and administrative operations. The bill also removes previous provisions that prohibited these boards from shielding students, faculty, and staff from free speech protections under the First Amendment and state constitution.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections that affirm students' rights to pursue education without governmental or institutional interference, allowing them to select, drop, or change courses without facing pressure based on political or ideological grounds. It also establishes that faculty members at state universities and Florida College System institutions can negotiate their assignments with department chairs and academic officers, ensuring that this process remains free from interference by governing bodies. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1410 Filed: 1001.03, 1001.706