To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring ideological oaths or similar statements, and for other purposes.
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring ideological oaths or similar statements, and for other purposes.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 927 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 927 would prohibit colleges and universities that receive federal student aid funding from requiring students, employees, contractors, or applicants to sign statements endorsing or opposing specific ideologies. Specifically, it targets requirements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—prohibiting institutions from compelling people to endorse ideologies promoting differential treatment based on race, ethnicity, or color. The bill also prevents schools from giving preferential treatment to students or employees based on their voluntary support for such ideologies. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would impact virtually all colleges and universities accepting federal aid, along with their students, faculty, staff, and job applicants. It's currently in committee (not yet voted on by the full House), having been introduced by Rep.
Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). **Key Context** The bill reflects ongoing debates about campus speech and DEI programs. Supporters argue it protects intellectual freedom and prevents ideological conformity requirements, while critics contend it could undermine anti-discrimination policies and diversity efforts. The bill's practical impact would depend on how broadly courts interpret "ideological oaths" and which existing institutional practices it would actually prohibit.
CRS Official Summary
This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from requiring a student enrolled at the IHE, an employee or contractor of the IHE, or an applicant for admission to or employment or contracting at the IHE to make certain ideological oaths or similar statements.Specifically, the bill prohibits an IHE from compelling, requiring, inducing, or soliciting such an individual to (1) endorse an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on race, color, or ethnicity; or (2) provide a statement indicating certain information about the individual, including the individual's views on efforts involving diversity, equity, and inclusion or other specified concepts.Additionally, the bill prohibits an IHE from providing preferential consideration to a student, employee, or contractor based on the individual's unsolicited support for an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on race, color, or ethnicity.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.