U.S Senator John Cornyn (R), joined by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Tim Scott (R-SC), has introduced the Equal Campus Access Act. The legislation aims to protect the rights of religious student organizations on public college campuses by organizing a policy that was first established during President Trump's first term.
"Freedom of religion is among our chief constitutional rights, and it is imperative that college campuses do not attempt to infringe upon that liberty," Cornyn said in a statement. "I am proud to introduce this legislation to ensure no federal funding goes to public colleges that police the activity of on-campus religious organizations and restrict students from exercising their First Amendment rights."
The proposal has received support from a large coalition of Republican senators, including fellow Texan Ted Cruz (R), as well as Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rick Scott (R-FL). In the House of Representatives, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) is leading companion legislation.
In 2023, the Biden administration attempted to roll back portions of the rule, arguing that it created unnecessary legal and administrative challenges.
The Equal Campus Access Act would prevent such reversals in the future by enshrining these protections in law. If enacted, it would ensure that religious student organizations maintain the same access to campus resources and recognition as other groups, regardless of changing federal administrations.
