Promoting Equal Learning and Liberty Act; PELL Act
Summary
The Promoting Equal Learning and Liberty Act (PELL Act) aims to eliminate funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and redirect those funds towards Federal Pell Grants. The bill argues that MSI funding violates the Fifth Amendment's equal protection principles by classifying institutions based on the race or ethnicity of their students. It also suggests that these programs incentivize discrimination in admissions and divert resources from need-based programs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the PELL Act would significantly alter the landscape of higher education funding. MSIs would lose targeted financial support, while the Federal Pell Grant program would receive increased funding. This could lead to shifts in enrollment patterns and institutional priorities, potentially impacting both MSIs and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for Federal Pell Grants, potentially expanding access to higher education for low-income students.
- Elimination of programs perceived to promote racial quotas or preferences in higher education.
- Focus on need-based aid rather than race-based aid, which proponents argue is a more equitable approach.
- Streamlining of higher education funding programs.
- Potential for increased competition among institutions for Pell Grant recipients.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, potentially impacting their ability to serve their student populations.
- Disproportionate impact on minority students who rely on MSIs for educational opportunities.
- Potential decrease in diversity on college campuses if MSIs are weakened.
- Disruption of existing programs and initiatives at MSIs.
- Possible legal challenges based on equal protection and discrimination concerns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The PELL Act cites the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and the Fifth Amendment as justification for eliminating MSI funding, arguing that such funding constitutes racial discrimination. It also references the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. However, the Act's impact on historically disadvantaged groups could raise concerns about fulfilling the original intent of the 14th Amendment to ensure equal opportunity.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).