Establishes "Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act."

This bill, known as the Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act, aims to protect the independence of colleges and universities in New Jersey from interference by state government officials. It explicitly grants governing boards and faculty the authority to make key decisions regarding curriculum, hiring, admissions, and research without direction from the Executive Branch or other state agencies. The legislation also establishes a legal process allowing individuals to file complaints in Superior Court if they believe these academic freedoms are being violated, with provisions for preliminary injunctions and attorney's fees. By codifying these protections, the bill seeks to ensure that higher education institutions can operate autonomously in their educational and scholarly missions.