Bill > S1253

This bill establishes the Office of the Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education within the Department of Education, in response to the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which found race-based college admissions practices unconstitutional. The new office will be led by a Senate-confirmed Special Inspector General who will investigate allegations of discriminatory admissions practices at higher education institutions receiving federal funding. The Special Inspector General will have broad powers to review complaints, investigate potential violations of the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and make recommendations about remedial actions, potential disciplinary measures, and institutional funding eligibility. The office will be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing allegations received, recommendations for reforms, and data on potential violations, with a particular focus on racial bias. Institutions found to have discriminatory practices may lose eligibility for federal student assistance or institutional aid. The office will have an initial funding of $25 million and is set to operate for 12 years, with the goal of ensuring that colleges comply with constitutional and legal standards prohibiting race-based discrimination in admissions and academic programs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1253/all-info