Bill > SB1192

This bill prohibits higher education accrediting agencies from considering, collecting information about, or requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices when making accreditation decisions for Missouri's public postsecondary educational institutions. The bill defines DEI as any differential treatment based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Under this legislation, accrediting agencies must implement policies to ensure that decision-makers cannot access or review DEI-related information during the accreditation process. The bill allows current or former students or employees to file civil lawsuits against accrediting agencies that violate these restrictions, with potential penalties including payment of attorney's fees, damages equal to three times the amount paid to the accrediting agency, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per student. Additionally, the attorney general may investigate and seek remedies for violations, which would be considered discriminatory and unfair practices under existing state law. The bill aims to prevent what its proponents likely view as inappropriate consideration of demographic factors in higher education institutional evaluations.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=253