California Student Freedom of Association Act (AB 1212)

AB 1212 would allow college and university student groups to limit membership based on religious belief.

If passed, in order to receive state funds for student financial assistance, the governing board of each community college district, the Trustees of the California State University, and the Board of Regents of the University of California would need to adopt a policy prohibiting their respective campuses from discriminating against a student organization with respect to a benefit available to any other student organization, based on that organization’s requirement that its leaders or voting members satisfy either of following:

• Adhere to the organization’s viewpoints or sincerely held beliefs; or
• Be committed to furthering the organization’s beliefs, mission, or standards of conduct.

The bill would authorize a student or a student organization aggrieved by a violation of these provisions to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by a court.

People