Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025
Summary
The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 aims to prevent harassment at institutions of higher education. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions to develop and distribute policies regarding harassment based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. The bill also establishes a competitive grant program to support anti-harassment programs at colleges and universities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased awareness and reporting of harassment incidents on college campuses. It will also provide funding for programs designed to prevent and address harassment. This could foster a safer and more inclusive environment for students.
Potential Benefits
- Requires institutions to develop and distribute anti-harassment policies.
- Provides a competitive grant program to fund anti-harassment initiatives.
- Expands the definition of harassment to include electronic communications and messaging services.
- Mandates reporting and tracking of harassment incidents.
- Aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on institutions of higher education.
- Possible challenges in defining and enforcing harassment policies related to electronic communications.
- Risk of frivolous or malicious accusations.
- The effectiveness of the grant program depends on the quality of applications and implementation.
- Could lead to increased costs for institutions, potentially passed on to students through tuition or fees.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting equal protection under the law, particularly through the enforcement of anti-discrimination measures. While the Constitution does not explicitly address harassment, the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause can be interpreted to support measures that ensure a safe and equitable educational environment for all students. The Act's focus on preventing harassment based on characteristics like race, sex, and disability aligns with the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
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).