Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025
Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 – Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill requires colleges and universities that receive federal student aid funding to better inform students about their civil rights protections under federal law. Specifically, it would mandate that schools post information about how to report discrimination based on race, color, or national origin—violations covered under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Department of Education would create and annually update a public awareness campaign about these rights, which schools would be required to distribute and display in visible campus locations (like student centers) and on their websites. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects college and university students and institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid programs.
It also involves the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which would conduct the awareness campaign and receive complaints about discrimination. **Current status:** The bill (S. 163) was introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) and institutions of higher education (IHEs) participating in federal student aid programs to distribute information on how to report alleged violations of civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.)Specifically, the bill requires ED's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to conduct a public awareness campaign regarding the rights of individuals under Title VI. This campaign must be updated annually and distributed to IHEs.The bill requires an IHE to post a link on its website on how to file a Title VI complaint with OCR. Additionally, the IHE must annually post the materials from OCR's public awareness campaign. The information must be posted in high-traffic public places on campus (e.g., student centers) and high-traffic websites (e.g., the website for student services). OCR must give monthly congressional briefings on (1) the number of complaints filed with OCR, (2) how OCR plans to address those complaints and the investigations opened in response to those complaints, and (3) how long those complaints remain open. Additionally, the bill prohibits OCR from closing or dismissing a complaint due to resolution via another agency or avenue. The bill also requires annual reporting by IHEs on discrimination complaints. Further, the bill directs ED's Office of Inspector General to audit and study discrimination complaints.
Latest Action
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held.