Us Congress House Bill HB7735

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/24
• Refer: 3/20/24

Caption

Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024

Impact

The bill seeks to enhance awareness and accessibility for students regarding their rights and the processes available to them for reporting instances of discrimination. By compelling institutions to be more transparent about their obligations under Title VI, HB 7735 aims to foster a culture that prioritizes civil rights and accountability within educational environments, potentially leading to an increase in reported complaints and more thorough institutional responses.

Summary

House Bill 7735, titled the 'Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024', mandates that institutions of higher education participating in federal student aid programs share comprehensive information regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This includes the establishment of a public awareness campaign to educate students about their rights under this legislation when facing discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Colleges and universities are required to prominently display information links to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on their websites and in physical high-traffic areas of their campuses.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 7735 may arise from debates regarding how effectively institutions can implement these requirements without overburdening them. Questions may also be raised about the adequacy of resources provided to these institutions to carry out the mandated awareness campaigns. Additionally, opponents may argue about the potential for this legislation to lead to an increase in frivolous complaints, thereby straining resources at both the institutional and federal levels, while proponents emphasize the need for a strong civil rights framework in education.