H.R.3606 - Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3606, the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025, aims to strengthen Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It seeks to restore the right to individual civil actions in disparate impact cases, mandate the designation of compliance monitors in educational institutions receiving federal funding, and establish a Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion within the Department of Education. The bill intends to enhance enforcement and compliance with civil rights laws, particularly concerning discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to increased litigation related to disparate impact claims under Title VI. Educational institutions would be required to allocate resources to compliance and monitoring. The Department of Education would gain a dedicated role to promote equity and inclusion.
Potential Benefits
- Strengthened enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Increased accountability for recipients of federal funding regarding discriminatory practices.
- Enhanced awareness of rights and protections against discrimination.
- Improved coordination and oversight of equity and inclusion efforts within the Department of Education.
- Potential reduction in discriminatory practices in education.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased litigation could burden the court system and recipients of federal funding.
- Compliance costs for educational institutions may divert resources from other programs.
- The creation of a new position within the Department of Education could increase bureaucracy.
- Potential for frivolous lawsuits based on disparate impact claims.
- Possible overreach or misinterpretation of disparate impact standards.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill 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. By strengthening Title VI, the bill aims to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to opportunities, particularly in education. The bill's provisions appear to be within the scope of Congress's power to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment under Section 5.
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).