H.R.468 - Mel’s Law (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.468, also known as "Mel's Law," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It mandates that institutions of higher education, as a condition of participating in Title IV programs, establish a policy for awarding posthumous degrees to deceased students. The bill specifies criteria for awarding these degrees, including enrollment in a degree program, death prior to completion, and academic standing consistent with graduation requirements.
Additionally, the bill addresses accreditation criteria, ensuring that accreditation agencies do not consider the number of posthumous degrees awarded when evaluating institutions. The amendments introduced by this Act will take effect one year after the date of enactment.
In short, the bill seeks to formalize and standardize the process of awarding posthumous degrees, providing recognition for students who were close to completing their studies before their passing.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of Mel's Law will be to require colleges and universities to create and implement policies for awarding posthumous degrees. This will likely lead to a more consistent and standardized approach across institutions.
It will also provide a framework for recognizing the academic achievements of students who pass away before completing their degree requirements. This recognition could offer comfort and closure to the families of deceased students.
Furthermore, the bill could potentially affect accreditation standards, ensuring that institutions are not penalized or rewarded based on the number of posthumous degrees they award.
Potential Benefits
- Provides formal recognition of deceased students' academic achievements.
- Offers closure and comfort to grieving families.
- Standardizes the process of awarding posthumous degrees across institutions.
- Encourages institutions to develop compassionate policies for dealing with student deaths.
- May enhance the perceived value of a degree by acknowledging the effort of those who did not complete their studies due to unforeseen circumstances.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May create administrative burdens for institutions in establishing and maintaining these policies.
- Could lead to inconsistencies in application if academic standards are not clearly defined.
- Might be perceived by some as diluting the value of a degree if posthumous degrees are awarded too liberally.
- Could potentially open the door to legal challenges if families disagree with an institution's decision.
- There is a risk that the focus on posthumous degrees could overshadow the need for more comprehensive support services for students' mental health and well-being.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of families and recognize the academic efforts of deceased students. While the Constitution does not explicitly address education policy, the federal government's role in higher education is well-established through legislation like the Higher Education Act of 1965, which this bill amends.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution. The bill does not infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, or any other constitutional right.
In summary, the bill seems constitutionally sound, operating within the established framework of federal involvement in higher education and not violating any specific constitutional provisions.
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).