Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025

This bill protects students’ right to join or start social clubs at colleges, including clubs that are single‑sex. Colleges that get federal funds could not punish a student or a single‑sex club just because the club limits membership to one sex, and students in these clubs should be treated without bias compared to others. It is called the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025.

Students could apply to any club, even if the school does not officially recognize it. If a club selects them, they could join and take part. Schools could not force students to give up these protections to enroll. They could not act against a single‑sex club or its members based only on its one‑sex membership rule. They also could not set special recruiting limits for these clubs unless both sides agree in writing. At the same time, schools would not have to officially recognize any club and could still act if a student breaks rules or if a club’s purpose clearly harms others. Clubs would still choose their own members, faculty could share their views, and this would not create a legal right to sue if a club denies someone membership.

• Who is affected: Students and single‑sex social clubs at colleges; colleges that receive federal funds.
• What changes: Students can join or start clubs; schools can’t punish or single out single‑sex clubs; special recruiting limits require a written agreement; schools can still act on misconduct or clear harm; clubs keep control over who they accept; faculty can express opinions.
• When: The text provided does not set a specific start date.