S.163 - Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 aims to increase awareness of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 within institutions of higher education. It mandates that these institutions provide information about Title VI, including how to file complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education. The bill also requires the Secretary of Education to conduct a public awareness campaign and mandates annual reporting and audits related to discrimination complaints.
Furthermore, it requires monthly briefings to Congress on the number and nature of discrimination complaints received by the OCR. The Act also prevents the OCR from dismissing complaints resolved through other agencies or internal grievance procedures.
In summary, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability regarding discrimination on college campuses.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the number of reported incidents of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at institutions of higher education. This is due to increased awareness and easier access to reporting mechanisms.
It will also lead to increased scrutiny of how these institutions handle such complaints, potentially driving improvements in their internal processes. The increased reporting and auditing requirements will place additional administrative burdens on both the Department of Education and institutions of higher education.
Finally, the monthly congressional briefings will ensure ongoing oversight and attention to the issue of discrimination in higher education.
Potential Benefits
- Increased awareness of Title VI rights among students and staff.
- Improved reporting mechanisms for discrimination complaints.
- Enhanced accountability for institutions of higher education in addressing discrimination.
- Greater transparency through public awareness campaigns and congressional briefings.
- Potential for more effective resolution of discrimination complaints.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on institutions of higher education due to reporting and auditing requirements.
- Potential for increased workload for the Office for Civil Rights.
- Possible over-reporting of minor incidents due to heightened awareness.
- Costs associated with the public awareness campaign and audits.
- Potential for institutions to focus on compliance rather than genuine cultural change.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits discrimination. By promoting awareness and providing mechanisms to address discrimination, the Act supports the principles of equal treatment under the law.
Congress's authority to legislate in this area stems from its power to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment under Section 5. The Act also aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) as it regulates institutions receiving federal funding.
There are no apparent conflicts with other 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).