Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has joined Senator James Lankford (R-OK) in introducing the Equal Campus Access Act. The proposed legislation aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, ensuring that public universities receiving federal funds cannot deny religious student organizations the same rights and benefits provided to other campus groups.
“The First Amendment does not only apply to those we agree with,” said Lummis. “For too long, college campuses have drifted from being places of open debate, diverse ideas, and faith, instead isolating those who speak out about their conservative views and religious values. I am proud to join my colleagues in ensuring our colleges once again respect differing beliefs and experiences on campus.”
“Freedom of religion, speech, and association are Constitutionally protected rights in every place in America, including America’s campuses,” said Lankford. “This bill makes clear that public colleges must grant religious student organizations the same rights as every other student group. At a time when our nation needs hope and unity, the ability to exercise your faith must be protected, not cast aside.”
A number of senators have joined as co-sponsors for this bill. These include Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Budd (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Banks (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), John Kennedy (R-LA) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
The bill has received support from a wide range of organizations representing various faiths and advocacy groups for religious liberty.
Senator Lummis previously co-sponsored similar legislation in 2023 after a proposal by the Biden administration aimed at reducing protections for religious student organizations.
