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End Woke Higher Education Act
10/4/2024, 8:07 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3724
The bill aims to prohibit the use of federal funds for any program or activity that promotes concepts such as critical race theory, intersectionality, or any other ideology that is deemed divisive or discriminatory. It also seeks to establish a task force to investigate and report on the extent of "woke" ideology in higher education.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to promote ideologies that they believe are harmful and divisive. They believe that higher education institutions should focus on providing students with a well-rounded education that promotes critical thinking and intellectual diversity. Opponents of the bill argue that it infringes on academic freedom and free speech rights. They believe that higher education institutions should be places where a wide range of ideas and perspectives can be explored and debated, even if some find them controversial or challenging. Overall, the End Woke Higher Education Act is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate over the role of ideology in higher education and the extent to which federal funds should be used to support certain educational programs and activities.
Congressional Summary of HR 3724
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023
This bill revises the requirements for an accrediting agency to be recognized by the Department of Education as a reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at an institution of higher education (IHE).
Specifically, an accrediting agency must confirm that its standards do not require, encourage, or coerce an IHE to (1) support, oppose, or commit to supporting or opposing specific partisan, political, or ideological viewpoints or beliefs or specific viewpoints or beliefs on social, cultural, or political issues; or (2) support or commit to supporting the disparate treatment of any individual or group on the basis of any protected class under federal civil rights law.
Additionally, an accrediting agency must confirm that its standards do not prohibit an IHE from having a religious mission. The accrediting agency may not prohibit the IHE from requiring an applicant, student, employee, or independent contractor to provide a statement of faith or adhere to a code of conduct.
The bill specifies that an IHE shall be eligible to participate in federal student aid programs if the IHE is in compliance with the standards of the accrediting agency that assesses the IHE in accordance with statute.



