Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in federal student aid programs to distribute information on how to report alleged violations of civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.)Specifically, the bill requires ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to conduct a public awareness campaign regarding the rights of individuals under Title VI. This campaign must be updated annually and distributed to IHEs.The bill requires an IHE to post a link on its website on how to file a Title VI complaint with OCR. Additionally, the IHE must annually post the materials from OCR's public awareness campaign. The information must be posted in high-traffic public places on campus (e.g., student centers) and high-traffic websites (e.g., the website for student services). OCR must give monthly congressional briefings on (1) the number of complaints filed with OCR, (2) how OCR plans to address those complaints and the investigations opened in response to those complaints, and (3) how long those complaints remain open. Additionally, the bill prohibits OCR from closing or dismissing a complaint due to resolution via another agency or avenue. The bill also requires annual reporting by IHEs on discrimination complaints. Further, the bill directs ED's Office of Inspector General to audit and study discrimination complaints.
The legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state and federal laws concerning educational institutions. By requiring educational institutions to access and display resources related to Title VI, the bill aims to empower students, particularly those who might feel marginalized due to race, color, or national origin. Additionally, institutions will be obligated to submit annual reports detailing complaints regarding discrimination, which could influence how such institutions develop their policies to address discrimination effectively.
SB163, titled the 'Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025', seeks to enhance awareness about civil rights protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid programs. The bill mandates that these institutions publicly share information about discrimination rights and provide a clear pathway for individuals to submit complaints regarding violations, thereby increasing transparency in how discrimination issues are handled on campuses.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB163 may include debates over the sufficiency of current civil rights protections and whether additional mandates on educational institutions are necessary. Some may argue that while increased awareness is beneficial, the effectiveness of the complaint processes and institutional responses must also be considered. Furthermore, the balance between federal oversight and institutional autonomy may come into question as these requirements could impose additional regulatory burdens on colleges and universities.