H.R.3605 - Strength in Diversity Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3605, the Strength in Diversity Act of 2025, aims to support the development and implementation of strategies that increase diversity, including racial and socioeconomic diversity, in schools. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to eligible entities for planning and implementing programs to reduce racial or socioeconomic isolation in covered schools. The Act also allows the Secretary to reserve funds for national and state activities related to promoting school diversity.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely lead to increased funding for programs designed to promote diversity in schools through various strategies, including revised feeder patterns, school boundary redesign, and transportation plans. It could also lead to changes in school assignment policies and increased emphasis on teacher diversity. The bill mandates data collection and evaluation to track the effectiveness of these programs.
Potential Benefits
- Improved academic outcomes for students in diverse schools.
- Reduced racial and socioeconomic isolation in schools.
- Increased teacher diversity.
- Enhanced community engagement in school planning.
- Better preparation for postsecondary education and careers for all students.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased federal control over local education policies.
- Possible unintended consequences on student enrollment in nearby schools.
- Risk of ineffective programs if strategies are not evidence-based.
- Potential for increased costs associated with transportation and program implementation.
- Possible community resistance to changes in school assignment policies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on promoting diversity in schools aligns with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. However, some may argue that certain provisions could potentially infringe upon the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, particularly regarding control over education. The bill includes a provision (Section 11) that explicitly prohibits federal control over curriculum, program of instruction, administration, or personnel of any educational institution, which attempts to address these concerns.
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).