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Ducey signs free-speech protections for colleges

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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed two bills protecting the public's right to free speech on college campuses.

The measures prevent colleges and universities from restricting free speech in a public forum and lay out guidelines for when limitations are acceptable.

They also award court and attorney fees to students who are successful in lawsuits against universities and community colleges for illegally restricting First Amendment rights.

Ducey said in a statement on Monday that the measures allow for a diversity of opinions to flourish at colleges without fear of intimidation or retribution.

Paradise Valley Community College is currently involved in a lawsuit for creating a free speech zone prosecutors say had a chilling effect on students.