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Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024
1/25/2024, 5:15 AM
Summary of Bill S 3580
One key provision of the bill is the requirement for all institutions of higher education to develop and implement comprehensive campus safety plans. These plans must include protocols for preventing and responding to incidents of violence, as well as strategies for promoting a safe and inclusive campus environment for all students.
Additionally, the bill calls for increased training for campus security personnel, faculty, and staff on how to recognize and address signs of potential violence or discrimination. This training will help ensure that campus communities are better equipped to prevent and respond to threats to student safety. The Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024 also includes provisions for increasing transparency and accountability in reporting incidents of violence and discrimination on college campuses. Institutions will be required to regularly report data on campus safety and security to the Department of Education, which will help identify trends and areas for improvement. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and well-being of students on college and university campuses by implementing proactive measures to prevent and respond to incidents of violence, harassment, and discrimination. By promoting a culture of safety and inclusivity, the Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024 seeks to create a more secure and supportive environment for all students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 3580
Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024
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.
