Bill > HR5121

This bill, titled the "Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act," proposes significant changes to how accrediting agencies evaluate and recognize institutions of higher education. The bill introduces new criteria that prohibit accrediting agencies from considering or imposing requirements related to the race, color, sex, or national origin of a school's students, faculty, or staff. It mandates that accrediting agencies must allow institutions to adopt any lawful policy regarding these demographic factors, regardless of the institution's specific mission. The bill also introduces a definition of "free inquiry" which requires institutions to protect freedom of speech, association, press, religion, assembly, and petition, with specific provisions for public and private institutions. Religious institutions are largely exempted from these requirements, including schools of divinity, institutions with explicit religious affiliations, and those with religious mission statements or practices. Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for institutions to pursue civil action if they face accreditation challenges based on violations of these new provisions. The overall intent appears to be protecting institutional autonomy and preventing demographic considerations from influencing accreditation decisions.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5121/all-info