The U.S. Department of Education released on Wednesday its final rule that seeks to protect free speech and religious liberties on college campuses, as well as putting faith-based institutions and groups on a more equal footing with their secular counterparts.
Initially proposed in January, the Improving Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability at Colleges and Universities rule requires public and private colleges to uphold either the First Amendment or their own promises of freedom of expression.
It also prohibits institutions from denying faith-based student groups “any of the rights, benefits, or privileges that other student groups enjoy,” notably the right to choose leaders who share their religious beliefs, and equal access to collected student fees.
