Religious Groups Face Uncertainty Amid Rule Change

By AIMÉE EICHER Sun Assistant Managing Editor

Home to numerous faith-based organizations and students from diverse religious backgrounds, Cornell recognizes and supports religious student organizations — including the Hindu Student Council, Muslim Education and Cultural Association, Cornell Hillel and more. But the rescission of a federal rule could change the way that universities across the country interact with faith-based student groups.

First implemented by former President Donald Trump’s administration in March 2019, Executive Order 13864, titled “Improving Free Inquiry,

Transparency and Accountability at Colleges and Universities” and known also as the “Free Inquiry Rule,” aimed to promote open debate on college and university campuses. With the goal of protecting First Amendment rights, the Free Inquiry Rule strived to protect free speech and academic freedom.

“The Department of Education revises its current regulations to encourage institutions of higher education to foster environments that promote open, intellectually engaging and diverse debate,” stated the Department of Education document from the Federal Register.