Final
BILL SUMMARY for
SB05-085
HOUSE
COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION
Votes:
Action Taken:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 05-85 to the Committee
PASS
07:34 AM -- Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by the chairman, Representative Merrifield.
07:34 AM -- Senate Bill 05-085
Representative Paccione reviewed the provisions of Senate Bill 05-085, concerning academic freedom of students and faculty in institutions of higher education. She indicated that the bill had undergone significant changes since its introduction in the Senate. The bill is now in the form of a legislative declaration.
07:37 AM
Representative Paccione responded to questions about existing constitutional guarantees and the language in the legislative declaration.
07:37 AM
The following person testified:
07:37 AM --
Dana Waller, representing the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), testified in support of the bill. She testified on the manner in which institutions support academic freedom. She said that a peer review process is key in the institutional support of academic freedom.
07:42 AM
Representative King discussed his perceptions of academic freedom on campuses of institutions of higher education. Ms. Waller responded to Representative King's comments. She discussed a AAUP "red book" of standards and regulations that universities abide by and said that it does comprise standards and parameters for classroom demeanor and discussions.
07:45 AM
Representative Paccione commented on the independence of intellectual thought and inquiry on university campuses. Representative Pommer discussed the importance of free speech, particularly free political speech. Ms. Waller spoke about the interaction that she has with university students, and her goal of challenging students in the classroom. Representative White discussed the language in the reengrossed version of the bill and the fact that he believes the bill should be a resolution, rather than a bill.
07:52 AM
Ms. Waller responded to additional comments and questions from committee members about the conduct of professors. Representative Paccione discussed reasons for which professors are not retained at campuses. Representative Pommer made further comments about the role of intellectual inquiry in the country.
BILL:
SB05-085
TIME:
07:55:40 AM
MOVED:
Paccione
MOTION:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 05-85 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 7-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
Benefield
VOTE
Balmer
No
Benefield
Yes
King
No
Larson
No
McKinley
Yes
Penry
No
Pommer
Yes
Rose
No
Solano
Yes
Todd
Yes
White
No
Paccione
Yes
Merrifield
Yes
Final
YES:
7
NO:
6
EXC:
0
ABS:
0
FINAL ACTION:
PASS