This bill aims to restrict how accrediting agencies evaluate colleges and universities. It would prohibit agencies from considering a school's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, or the racial makeup of its students, faculty, and staff. The bill also requires agencies to assess if schools uphold free speech and academic freedom rights.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to restrict how accrediting agencies evaluate colleges and universities. It would prohibit agencies from considering a school's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, or the racial makeup of its students, faculty, and staff. The bill also requires agencies to assess if schools uphold free speech and academic freedom rights.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act</b></p> <p>This bill establishes additional requirements for an accrediting agency to be recognized by the Department of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at an institution of higher education (IHE).</p> <p>Specifically, the bill prohibits an accrediting agency from considering (1) the diversity, equity, and inclusion policies of an IHE; and (2) the racial composition of the accepted applicants, students, or the faculty or staff of an IHE. An IHE that is subject to a denial, withdrawal, or termination of accreditation as a result of an accrediting agency's violation of this prohibition may pursue a civil action.</p> <p>The bill also requires an accrediting agency to assess the IHE's success in ensuring a right of free inquiry (with an exception for religious IHEs).</p> <p>In the case of a public IHE that is legally required to abide by the First Amendment, the bill defines <i>free inquiry</i> as compliance with (1) the First Amendment, including protections for freedom of speech, association, press, religion, assembly, and petition; and (2) the IHE's own written policies regarding academic freedom.</p> <p>In the case of a private IHE, <i>free inquiry</i> refers to adherence to the IHE's written institutional policies concerning freedom of speech, association, press, religion, assembly, petition, and academic freedom.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Prohibits accrediting agencies from considering a school's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies or the racial composition of its students, faculty, and staff
Requires accrediting agencies to assess if schools uphold free speech and academic freedom rights
Allows schools denied accreditation due to violating the bill's provisions to pursue legal action
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would likely impact colleges and universities across the country, as they would have to comply with the new accreditation requirements. It could make it more difficult for schools to maintain their accreditation status, which is crucial for receiving federal funding and student financial aid. The changes could also affect admissions, hiring, and campus life at many institutions.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Education
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
1795, 119th Congress (2025). "Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-1795