Ban on Ideological Oaths in Colleges
Official: To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from requiring ideological oaths or similar statements, and for other purposes.
This bill aims to ensure that colleges and universities do not force students or employees to declare support for specific ideologies, which could limit free expression. It protects individuals from being required to share personal information about their race or beliefs in order to gain admission or employment.
This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from requiring a student enrolled at the IHE, an employee or contractor of the IHE, or an applicant for admission to or employment or contracting at the IHE to make certain ideological oaths or similar statements. Specifically, the bill prohibits an IHE from compelling, requiring, inducing, or soliciting such an individual to (1) endorse an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on race, color, or ethnicity; or (2) provide a statement indicating certain information about the individual, including the individual's views on efforts involving diversity, equity, and inclusion or other specified concepts. Additionally, the bill prohibits an IHE from providing preferential consideration to a student, employee, or contractor based on the individual's unsolicited support for an ideology that promotes the differential treatment of an individual or group of individuals based on race, color, or ethnicity.
1. This bill would stop colleges from requiring students or staff to take ideological oaths. 2. It would prevent schools from asking for personal statements about race or diversity efforts. 3. Colleges cannot give preference to applicants based on their support for certain ideologies. 4. The bill allows academic research and coursework to continue without restrictions. 5. It does not stop individuals from sharing their views voluntarily.