0
0

Defending Students’ Civil Rights Act of 2021

12/31/2022, 5:36 AM

Summary of Bill HR 5398

Bill 117 HR 5398, also known as the Defending Students' Civil Rights Act of 2021, aims to protect the civil rights of students in the United States. The bill focuses on ensuring that all students have equal access to education and are not discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

The bill includes provisions that require schools to implement policies and procedures to prevent discrimination and harassment, as well as to address any incidents that do occur. It also calls for increased training for teachers and staff on how to recognize and respond to discrimination and harassment.

Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to hold schools accountable for violations of students' civil rights. This includes providing resources for students and families to file complaints and seek redress for any discrimination they may have experienced. Overall, the Defending Students' Civil Rights Act of 2021 is aimed at promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity. It emphasizes the importance of upholding civil rights laws in schools and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn and thrive without fear of discrimination.

Congressional Summary of HR 5398

Defending Students' Civil Rights Act of 2021

This bill prohibits the use of critical race theory or critical race pedagogy in any federally funded program or activity.

Specifically, the bill includes the use of critical race theory or critical race pedagogy as a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.

The bill defines critical race pedagogy as the separation of students or teachers, or the assignment of characteristics or assumptions, based on race, color, or national origin. The bill defines critical race theory as a curriculum that establishes specified principles relating to race or sex, including that (1) one race or sex is inherently superior to another, (2) the United States is fundamentally racist or sexist, and (3) an individual bears responsibility for the past actions of others of the same race or sex.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted TextPDFFormatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 5398

Bill HR 5398 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since September 28, 2021. Bill HR 5398 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on September 28, 2021.  Bill HR 5398's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5398

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
36
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
36
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5398

Primary Policy Focus

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Potential Impact Areas

- Education programs funding
- Elementary and secondary education
- Racial and ethnic relations
- Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
- Teaching, teachers, curricula
- U.S. history

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5398

To amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make using critical race theory or critical race pedagogy in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance a violation of such Act, and for other purposes.
Defending Students’ Civil Rights Act of 2021
Defending Students’ Civil Rights Act of 2021

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 5398

Bob Good
Bob Good
VirginiaRepublican
Randy K. Weber, Sr.
Randy K. Weber, Sr.
TexasRepublican
Thomas P. Tiffany
Thomas P. Tiffany
WisconsinRepublican
Scott Perry
Scott Perry
PennsylvaniaRepublican
Bill Posey
Bill Posey
FloridaRepublican
Mary E. Miller
Mary E. Miller
IllinoisRepublican

Latest Bills

Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act
Bill S 4297April 23, 2026
A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.
Bill SJRES 114April 23, 2026
A bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years.
Bill S 4344April 23, 2026
A bill to ensure that State and local law enforcement may cooperate with Federal officials to protect our communities from violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are illegally present in the United States.
Bill S 4316April 23, 2026
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Bill SRES 677April 23, 2026
A bill to approve the settlement of the water rights claims of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4368April 23, 2026
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate by condemning the handling of the 2019 Ukraine Whistleblower Complaint, calling for the Department of Justice to initiate an investigation and prosecution of the matter, and declaring the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump by the House of Representatives lacks legitimacy.
Bill SRES 682April 23, 2026
A resolution relating to the life and death of Chuck Norris.
Bill SRES 681April 23, 2026
A resolution recognizing the significance of Community College Month in April as a celebration of more than 1,000 institutions throughout the United States supporting access to higher education, workforce training, and more broadly sustaining and advancing the economic prosperity of the United States.
Bill SRES 686April 23, 2026
A bill to establish a pilot program for the retention of experienced regular Air Force fighter aircrew, and for other purposes.
Bill S 4373April 23, 2026