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Bill > HB987
PA HB987
PA HB987In miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, providing for prohibitions regarding ideological oaths or statements, for prohibition on diversity, equity and inclusion offices and employees, for statements required to be included in mission statement, bylaws, faculty handbook and student handbook, for certain mandatory training prohibited, for revoking tenure for diversity, equity and inclusion violations and for spending restricted; and imposing penalties.
summary
Introduced
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
In Committee
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, providing for prohibitions regarding ideological oaths or statements, for prohibition on diversity, equity and inclusion offices and employees, for statements required to be included in mission statement, bylaws, faculty handbook and student handbook, for certain mandatory training prohibited, for revoking tenure for diversity, equity and inclusion violations and for spending restricted; and imposing penalties.
AI Summary
This bill introduces significant restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at public higher education institutions in Pennsylvania. It prohibits institutions from compelling students, employees, or applicants to endorse ideologies promoting differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity, or to provide statements about their personal characteristics or views on DEI-related topics. The bill mandates that institutions eliminate DEI offices, prohibit mandatory DEI training, and incorporate specific statements into their mission statements, bylaws, and handbooks that emphasize intellectual freedom, viewpoint diversity, and institutional neutrality. Institutions are required to adopt language affirming commitment to open inquiry, individual growth, and tolerance of different opinions. The legislation imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, including potential administrative fines up to $1,000,000, and allows for disciplinary actions against employees who violate these provisions, such as unpaid leave or termination. Employees found in violation could be barred from rehiring for up to five years, and institutions must report their compliance annually to state authorities. The bill applies to various public higher education institutions, including state universities, community colleges, and state-related universities, and will take effect for the 2026-2027 academic year, with immediate legislative activation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (7)
Milou Mackenzie (R)*,
Jake Banta (R),
Joe Hamm (R),
Rob Kauffman (R),
Andrew Kuzma (R),
Stephenie Scialabba (R),
Dave Zimmerman (R),
Last Action
Referred to Education (on 03/24/2025)
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