Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6848

Introduced
12/19/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6848 would significantly alter the requirements imposed by higher education institutions concerning admissions and employment processes. Schools would no longer have the latitude to require ideological endorsements or statements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which has been a point of contention among many institutions. Proponents argue that this bill promotes neutrality in academia, ensuring that students are not assessed based on their ideological positions. Critics, however, fear that this could lead to reduced accountability in regards to diversity initiatives and hinder efforts aimed at fostering inclusivity within educational environments.

Summary

House Bill 6848 seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring ideological oaths or similar statements from students, employees, or contractors. The bill aims to safeguard individuals from being compelled to endorse particular ideologies, especially those that promote differential treatment based on race, color, or ethnicity. This legislative proposal reflects an ongoing debate over academic freedom and the role of ideology in educational settings.

Contention

The conversation surrounding HB 6848 is deeply polarized. Supporters claim that such requirements may infringe upon individual rights and freedom of speech, presenting the bill as a necessary measure to protect those who may not align with dominant ideologies. Opponents argue that not addressing issues of diversity and inclusion through statements or commitments can undermine institutional efforts to create equitable environments. This has led to fears about the potential regression in progress made towards inclusiveness in higher education settings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB10404

To amend title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide program eligibility for distance education programs offered by foreign institutions of higher education.

US HB10534

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education, as a condition of participating in programs under title IV of such Act, to annually conduct a survey to measure student experiences with discrimination at such institutions, and for other purposes.

US HB6499

Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2023

US HB10477

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and reduce interest rates.

US HB927

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.

US HB3724

End Woke Higher Education Act

US HB7725

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving Federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

US HB3518

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving Federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

US HB5895

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.

US HB2664

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.

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