Tennessee lawmakers advanced a ban on “staging walkouts” at public universities, framed as a free-speech protection measure intended to prevent protesters from disrupting campus speakers. The bill directs public colleges to adopt elements of the University of Chicago’s free expression policy and defines “walkouts” as considerable disruption requiring events to pause. Under the legislation, violations could lead to probation, and repeat incidents could result in suspension or expulsion. The bill also includes language intended to limit disinviting speakers due to beliefs or opposition from students or faculty. Critics warn the policy could be politically biased in implementation and may be difficult to interpret, particularly because of how broadly the bill defines disruption. Faculty and speech advocates are likely to challenge how campus administrators apply the restrictions. Public institutions with Tennessee operations will need to update speech-event policies, disciplinary procedures, and training for administrators and campus police to align with the proposed “Chicago Principles” mandates.