Chung Supports Bill Creating Higher Education Student Support and Academic Freedom Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, passed a bill creating the Higher Education Student Support and Academic Freedom Act, protecting the rights and freedoms of college and university students.

“I’m proud to represent students attending Illinois State University, Illinois Central College, Heartland Community College and my alma mater Illinois Wesleyan University,” said Chung. “These students are our future leaders, teachers, engineers and inventors, and I’m proud to protect their freedom in higher education.”

House Bill 4304 creates the Higher Education Student Support and Academic Freedom Act, guaranteeing students that their safety on campus will be a priority, their academic freedom and ability to speak freely will be protected, and their financial interests will be maintained. 

Additionally, as the cost of a college education becomes more and more of a challenge, universities and colleges will be required to disclose tuition, fees, and any other material financial obligations to students for true cost clarity.

This bill responds to federal attacks on higher education funding and students’ freedom of speech, ensuring that Illinois students of higher education can exercise their freedom of speech and opportunity.

“The current administration has attacked higher education and college students through financial and social penalties,” said Chung. “I take my job to represent these students seriously, whether they’re from our community or have chosen to spend their college years, and exciting times in their lives, with us. Students should be empowered to invest in themselves through education, not penalized or silenced.”

House Bill 4304 heads to the Senate for consideration.