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End Woke Higher Education Act

10/4/2024, 8:07 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3724

Bill 118 hr 3724, also known as the End Woke Higher Education Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address what some lawmakers see as a growing trend of "woke" ideology in higher education institutions.

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 3724

Bill HR 3724 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since September 23, 2024. Bill HR 3724 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on May 25, 2023.  Bill HR 3724's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. as of September 23, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3724

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 3724

Primary Policy Focus

Education

Potential Impact Areas

- Higher education
- Political parties and affiliation
- Racial and ethnic relations
- Religion
- Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3724

End Woke Higher Education Act
Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2024
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2024
Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act
End Woke Higher Education Act
End Woke Higher Education Act
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit recognized accrediting agencies and associations from requiring, encouraging, or coercing institutions of higher education to meet any political litmus test or violate any right protected by the Constitution as a condition of accreditation.

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