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Bill

Bill

HR 19

encouraging state colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus for the purpose of increasing diversity of viewpoints.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Moffett and 5 co-sponsors

New Hampshire bill encourages state universities to invite more conservative speakers to promote ideological diversity on campuses.

Ought to Pass: MA RC 191-155 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 65
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Bill Summary · HR 19

Legislative bill overview

HR 19 encourages New Hampshire's state colleges and universities to invite conservative speakers to campus as a means of promoting ideological diversity. The bill does not mandate speaker invitations but rather expresses legislative preference for institutions to balance their invited speakers across the political spectrum.

Why is this important

College campuses significantly influence public discourse and student worldviews, making speaker selection consequential. The bill reflects ongoing national debate about whether higher education adequately represents conservative perspectives, which some view as essential to intellectual development and others see as legislative overreach into academic autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Academic freedom vs. legislative pressure: Critics argue legislatures shouldn't influence university speaker selection, while proponents contend institutions have drifted ideologically and need external accountability
  • "Diversity of viewpoints" definition: Disagreement exists over what constitutes genuine ideological balance and whether conservative speakers face actual barriers or whether market forces naturally determine invitations
  • Resource and safety implications: Hosting controversial speakers can require substantial security costs and create campus divisions; questions arise about who bears these expenses and whether some speakers pose legitimate safety concerns beyond mere political disagreement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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