HR 19 - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2026 SESSION

26-2313

12/09

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION 19

 

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

 

SPONSORS: Rep. McFarlane, Graf. 18; Rep. Giasson, Hills. 29; Rep. Morse, Merr. 3; Rep. Ulery, Hills. 13; Rep. Wherry, Hills. 13; Rep. Thibault, Merr. 25; Rep. Perez, Rock. 16; Rep. Moffett, Merr. 4; Rep. Sabourin dit Choinière, Rock. 30; Rep. Noble, Hills. 2

 

COMMITTEE: Education Funding

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This resolution encourages state colleges and universities to invite more conservative speakers to campus to engage in respectful debate alongside speakers from across the ideological spectrum. The resolution also states the house's condemnation of all forms of political violence and intimidation in New Hampshire.

 

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26-2313

12/09

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-Six

 

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

 

Whereas, on September 10th, 2025, conservative speaker Charlie Kirk was assassinated while addressing a campus audience; and

Whereas, this incident has renewed national concern about escalating political violence and chilled speech on American campuses; and

Whereas, New Hampshire has a proud tradition of robust, civil debate and of protecting lawful speech and peaceful assembly; and

Whereas, viewpoint diversity strengthens scholarship, sharpens critical thinking, and prepares students for citizenship; and

Whereas, the New Hampshire constitution directs us to “cherish the interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries and public schools,” and higher education flourishes best when it nurtures the free exchange of ideas and welcomes speakers from diverse viewpoints; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the house unequivocally condemns political violence and intimidation in all forms and affirms that threats, disruption, or force have no place in New Hampshire's civic or academic life.

That the house encourages faculty and student organizations to engage invited speakers with respectful questioning and debate, modeling the habits of a free people: to hear, test, and answer arguments, not silence them.

That the house encourages public and private colleges and universities in New Hampshire to invite and host more conservative speakers, alongside speakers from across the ideological spectrum, on matters including public policy, law, science, technology, and culture.

That nothing in this resolution directs curricula or compels any invitation;  it states the house's conviction that more speech, not less, best serves students, scholarship, and the granite state.

Be it further Resolved that the clerk transmit copies of this resolution to the university system of New Hampshire, the community college system of New Hampshire, and to the presidents of New Hampshire’s private colleges and universities.