H.R.2583 - College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2583, the College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025, aims to establish an Office of the Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education within the Department of Education. This office would be responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination based on race in college admissions and financial aid practices, ensuring compliance with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill authorizes $25 million to carry out the functions of the Special Inspector General's office.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased scrutiny of college admissions policies and practices, potentially leading to changes in how institutions of higher education evaluate applicants. It could also result in disciplinary actions against employees found to have engaged in discriminatory practices and impact the eligibility of institutions to receive federal funding. The creation of this office aims to ensure equal opportunity in higher education and prevent race-based discrimination.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Accountability: Establishes an independent body to investigate discrimination in college admissions.
- Protection of Civil Rights: Reinforces the principles of equal protection under the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
- Transparency: Requires regular reports to Congress on the activities of the Special Inspector General.
- Remedial Action: Empowers the Special Inspector General to recommend corrective measures and disciplinary actions.
- Fairness in Admissions: Aims to create a more equitable admissions process for all students, regardless of race.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Overreach: The Special Inspector General's office could potentially overstep its authority and create unnecessary burdens for institutions of higher education.
- Increased Bureaucracy: The creation of a new office could add to the bureaucracy within the Department of Education.
- Risk of Politicization: The appointment of the Special Inspector General could be subject to political influence.
- Unintended Consequences: Changes to admissions policies could have unintended consequences for diversity on college campuses.
- Cost: The $25 million authorized for the office could be seen as a misallocation of resources.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The bill also references Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race in programs receiving federal funding. By establishing an office to investigate and address discrimination in higher education, the bill seeks to uphold these constitutional and statutory principles.
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).