Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act
Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act
Plain Language Summary
# Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act - Bill Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would prohibit colleges and universities from receiving federal funding or allowing students to access federal student aid if the institutions maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or offices. Schools would be required to certify to the Department of Education that they don't carry out any DEI-related initiatives, and they would need to provide documentation upon request to prove compliance. The bill would give the Department of Education authority to enforce these rules and terminate federal funding for non-compliance, though schools could appeal such decisions. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects colleges and universities that currently have DEI programs, offices, or initiatives—including diversity hiring efforts, inclusion training, or equity-focused scholarship programs. It would also impact students who rely on federal financial aid, as their schools' loss of federal funding could affect educational resources.
The bill affects any institution receiving federal funds, which includes most U.S. colleges and universities. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Eliminate DEI in Colleges ActThis bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds or participating in federal student aid programs if the IHE carries out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to certify to the Department of Education (ED) that the IHE (1) does not and will not carry out any program, project, initiative, or other activity that advocates, promotes, or otherwise supports DEI; and (2) does not and will not maintain any office or other entity within the IHE that advocates, promotes, or otherwise supports DEI.Each IHE that provides the certification must, upon request, make available to ED any information necessary to verify the accuracy of the certification. ED must publish regulations to implement and enforce the bill's provisions. The bill establishes a process through which an IHE may appeal ED's decision to terminate the IHE's financial assistance for failure to comply with the bill's provisions.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.