The passage of Freedom of Association legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives by a 213-201 vote marks a critical step toward ensuring students’ rights are protected on college campuses.
For years, universities have increasingly restricted students’ ability to freely join organizations, particularly single-sex groups like fraternities and sororities. This move by the House aims to safeguard students’ constitutional rights, ensuring they can associate with the organizations that align with their personal beliefs and needs.
The Problem: Universities Restricting Freedom of Association Rights
The need for this legislation stems from an alarming trend among universities attempting to restrict students’ freedom of association. Whether it’s a men’s-only or women’s-only organization, students should be able to make these decisions without fear of unjust repercussions from university administrations.
In recent years, we have seen universities impose excessive regulations on fraternities and sororities, treating us differently than other student organizations or sports teams. For example, in February 2024, the University of Maryland (UMD) suspended 37 fraternities and sororities—impacting over 3,500 students—without giving any specific reasoning or outlining the alleged misconduct. This system-wide suspension not only disregarded students’ freedom of association but also violated their right to due process.
UMD administrators justified their actions by citing an undisclosed threat to student health and safety, though they never explained why fraternities and sororities were targeted while other student groups continued their activities uninterrupted. Although student safety is a priority, blanket actions like these undermine trust between students and administrators and discourage future reporting of actual misconduct.
The Solution: Protecting Freedom of Association Through Legislation
To prevent future abuses like those at UMD, federal legislation is necessary. The legislation endorsed by the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) and passed in the House of Representatives provides the best remedy. It would prohibit universities from punishing students simply for being members of single-sex organizations.
The bill addresses three key issues:
- Clear Definition of “Adverse Action”: The legislation provides a clear definition of what constitutes “adverse action,” ensuring that universities cannot take arbitrary actions against fraternities and sororities simply for being single-sex organizations.
- Fair Treatment of Students: The bill prohibits universities from unfairly targeting students who are members of fraternities and sororities, ensuring that all students receive equal treatment.
- Preserving the Fraternity/Sorority Experience: The legislation protects the fraternity and sorority experience for future students, ensuring that they can enjoy the same rights to association as previous generations.
This bipartisan effort reflects support for protecting students’ constitutional rights, with the House Education Committee passing similar language under both Democratic and Republican leadership in the past.
With the recent passage of this legislation, we are one step closer to ensuring that students’ freedom of association will no longer be compromised by university overreach.
A Critical Moment for Students’ Rights
As advocates for the interfraternal experience, we must continue to hold universities accountable and ensure that their policies align with constitutional rights. The House’s passing of this Freedom of Association legislation is a significant victory, but the fight isn’t over. We must now work to ensure that the Senate follows suit, and that this legislation becomes law.
By standing up for our rights, we ensure that future students can make their own choices without fear of unjust repercussions from university administrations. This legislation marks a critical step in protecting the freedoms that should be available to all students on college campuses.
How You Can Help
If you’re passionate about ensuring the future of fraternities and sororities, you can make a difference by supporting our efforts.
FSPAC works to elect candidates to Congress who understand the value of freedom of association and are committed to advocating for the interfraternal experience. By contributing to the FSPAC, you’re helping to amplify the voices of fraternity and sorority members in the political process, ensuring that lawmakers prioritize the rights and interests of Greek organizations.
Your support can help elect leaders who will continue to champion this important legislation and protect the fraternity and sorority experience for generations to come.
Don’t wait, make you donation today!
