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Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025
5/1/2025, 11:48 AM
Summary of Bill S 163
Specifically, the bill mandates that institutions of higher education share information about Title VI, including a link to the webpage of the Office for Civil Rights where individuals can submit complaints regarding discrimination in violation of Title VI. This requirement aims to make it easier for students, faculty, and staff to understand their rights under Title VI and to report any instances of discrimination they may experience or witness.
In addition to promoting transparency and accountability, the bill also serves to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination in higher education settings. By requiring institutions to share information about Title VI and provide a clear pathway for individuals to report discrimination, this bill aims to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. Overall, Bill 119 s 163 seeks to ensure that institutions of higher education that receive Federal student aid funds are proactive in addressing and preventing discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. By promoting awareness of Title VI and providing a mechanism for reporting discrimination, this bill aims to uphold the civil rights of all individuals within the higher education system.
Congressional Summary of S 163
Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025
This 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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 163
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 163
Total Number of Sponsors
2Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
2Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
5Democrat Cosponsors
4Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 163
Primary Policy Focus
EducationPotential Impact Areas
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 163
Comments
Eileen Henderson
7 months ago
This bill is like, totally bogus man. It's like, trying to control everything we do on campus. Like, who do they think they are, trying to protect us? We don't need protection, we're adults! This bill is just gonna make everything more complicated and annoying. Like, what's next, are they gonna tell us what to eat for lunch too? Ugh, this is so dumb. What's gonna happen in the long run with this bill?
