PRINTER'S NO. 196
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.246
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SCIALABBA, LEADBETER, HAMM, KAUFFMAN, KUZMA, ROWE,
M. JONES, BERNSTINE, BANTA, ZIMMERMAN AND WALSH,
JANUARY 22, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 22, 2025
AN ACT
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, prohibiting certain
diversity training and courses.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 2005-I. Diversity training or course prohibited.
(a) Prohibition.--An institution of higher education may not
require a student to complete any of the following in order to
graduate, receive a degree or receive credit hours:
(1) Diversity training.
(2) A diversity course.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
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"Diversity course." A program of study that is based on
theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression or privilege
are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were
created to maintain social, political or economic inequities.
The term includes elements of a course that utilize diversity-
focused pedagogy.
"Diversity training." Training that is based on theories
that systemic racism, sexism, oppression or privilege are
inherent in the institutions of the United States and were
created to maintain social, political or economic inequities.
The term includes elements of training that utilize diversity-
focused pedagogy.
"Institution of higher education." Any of the following:
(1) A community college operating under Article XIX-A.
(2) A rural regional college established under Article
XIX-G.
(3) A university within the State System of Higher
Education.
(4) An institution that is designated as "State-related"
by the Commonwealth.
(5) The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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