Sponsors (12)
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Renames the National School Lunch Act in honor of civil rights leader Jean E. Fairfax and updates that name everywhere it appears in federal law. It does not change who gets school meals, how the program runs, or how it’s funded. Congress also states findings recognizing Fairfax’s work to advance fair education and expand school meals in low‑income, mostly minority communities, and notes that the current namesake, Richard B. Russell, opposed civil rights and supported segregation. The change takes effect upon enactment.
Amends the first section of 42 U.S.C. 1751 by striking the short title "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and inserting "Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act."
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and replacing them with the new short title.
Amends miscellaneous provisions by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and inserting the new short title.
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and replacing them with the new short title.
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and inserting the new short title.
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and replacing them with the new short title.
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and replacing them with the new short title.
Amends the provision by striking references to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act" and inserting the new short title in the specified subprovisions identified in the section.
Jean E. Fairfax was a civil rights activist.
Jean E. Fairfax was born to parents who were the first in their family to be legally free.
Jean E. Fairfax fought for equitable educational access, challenged systemic employment discrimination, and led federal policy innovations to support working-class and marginalized people.
Jean E. Fairfax assisted Black families navigating school integration after Brown v. Board of Education.
Jean E. Fairfax joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Legal Defense Fund and established the Division of Legal Information and Community Service.
Primary effects are symbolic and administrative. Federal agencies (especially USDA) must update references in statutes, documents, web pages, and forms. Schools, students, and families will see the new name but will not experience any change in services, eligibility, or funding. The bill recognizes Jean E. Fairfax’s civil rights legacy and aligns the program’s title with values of equity and inclusion. Implementation costs should be minimal and absorbed within routine update cycles.
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Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced March 6, 2025 by Bonnie Watson Coleman · Last progress March 6, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House