SENATOR Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan has filed a measure that seeks to declare state universities and colleges as freedom parks where free speech will be protected and peaceful assemblies can be held without fear of interference.

The measure aims to strengthen and uphold the freedom of teachers and students to teach, study and pursue knowledge and research without restrictions.

Senate Bill 2016 or the proposed Academic Freedom Act protects and guarantees academic freedom by recognizing that SUCs can exercise full acts of ownership over their property.

School officials shall have primary responsibility in maintaining proper behavior and conduct of their students, faculty, employees and other members of its community.

Pangilinan said that the Constitution grants academic freedom including freedom to critically think, speak, and even dissent.

“Our nation’s top political, legal, business, economic, civic and scientific leaders, both past and present, are fruits of enjoyment of unimpeded and unrestrained academic freedom by institutions of higher learning,” he said in his explanatory note.

The measure requires prior notification before the service of warrants against students. It sets clarifying situations where law enforcement agents can enter SUCs .