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Adds a new section (titled 'Sanctions for noncompliance with title VI') to Part B of Title I of the Higher Education Act of 1965 creating definitions, a sanctions scheme (fines tied to percentages of Federal financial assistance for second and third violations within a 5-year window), a waiver rule for closely related incidents, monitoring of private lawsuits, notification requirements to students/faculty/staff, and reporting requirements to specified congressional committees.
Amends section 601 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) by (1) adding "religion" to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination and (2) replacing/reorganizing the section text to add a new subsection clarifying that, for purposes of Title VI and with respect to educational programs or activities of institutions of higher education and public systems of higher education, the term 'discrimination' includes deliberate indifference to harassment meeting specified severity and effect standards.
Adds religion to the scope of federal anti‑discrimination rules in education, defines antisemitism, and creates new enforcement steps and penalties for antisemitic discrimination—especially at colleges and universities. It requires notice and hearing procedures, campus notification of findings, graduated fines for repeat violations, monitoring of remedies, and reports to Congress, while protecting other legal rights (including the First Amendment) and preserving the rest of the law if one part is struck down.
Amends Section 601 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by striking "or national origin" and inserting "national origin, or religion" (i.e., adds religion in the listed text of Section 601) .
Adds a new provision (Section 607) stating that the prohibition on discrimination on the ground of religion under Title VI does not apply to a program or activity that is conducted or controlled by, or is otherwise affiliated with, a religious organization, including a student religious organization .
Amends Section 601 by revising text (shows insertion of a subsection header and phrase: ".— (a) In general No person; and") as part of the changes to that section as presented in the text .
Adds a definition/clarification for purposes of Title VI and with respect to an educational program or activity of a college, university, other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education: the term (text label omitted in the source) includes deliberate indifference to harassment that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, and that so undermines and detracts from a victim’s educational experience, that the victim is effectively denied equal access to the resources and opportunities of the educational program or activity; this is treated as discrimination in the text provided .
Declares it U.S. policy to enforce Title VI against prohibited forms of discrimination rooted in antisemitism no less vigorously than against all other forms of discrimination prohibited by Title VI .
Who is affected and how:
Colleges and universities: Will face new compliance obligations, potential investigations, and possible sanctions (including graduated fines) if found to have engaged in antisemitic discrimination or to have been deliberately indifferent to severe and pervasive harassment. Institutions will need to update policies, complaint processes, training, and notification practices and may face increased administrative and legal costs.
Students (including student religious groups): Jewish students and other students targeted by antisemitic conduct gain clearer federal protections and a specified enforcement path; religious student organizations are explicitly protected from the religion‑based prohibition when affiliated with a religious organization. Students more broadly may see expanded definitions of actionable harassment and changes to campus discipline and reporting procedures.
Jewish individuals and community institutions on or connected to campuses: Receive an express federal definition of antisemitism and an explicit policy commitment that such conduct will be addressed; this may increase reporting, investigations, and remedies for harms targeting Jewish people and institutions.
Federal agencies and courts: Department of Education and other agencies will implement notice, hearing, monitoring and reporting requirements and must factor specified considerations into compliance decisions; courts may be asked more often to appoint remedial monitors and to evaluate administrative findings.
Legal and compliance professionals: Universities and agencies will likely see more litigation and administrative proceedings as definitions, standards, and remedies are tested, especially where speech, academic freedom, and religious liberty intersect.
Broader effects and risks:
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced March 4, 2025 by Richard Lynn Scott · Last progress March 4, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Introduced in Senate