Student Protection and University Accountability Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9203
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 15.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T15:18:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability for colleges and universities regarding their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. It seeks to improve how institutions handle related complaints and strengthen oversight by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Key Provisions
- Institutional Requirements: Colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs must maintain specific investigative processes for Title VI complaints. These include designating a compliance coordinator, providing timely notifications to complainants (within 30 days of receipt and outcome), maintaining detailed records, and publicly sharing process descriptions.
- Public Awareness: Institutions must display and publish OCR-provided materials on Title VI protections in high-traffic campus areas and on their websites for at least one year.
- Enforcement Mechanism: Non-compliance for two consecutive years results in loss of eligibility for federal student aid programs until compliance is demonstrated.
- OCR Reporting: The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights must provide bimonthly briefings and written reports to congressional authorizing committees for two years, detailing Title VI complaints received, with data disaggregated by discrimination basis and protections for personal information.
- OCR Process Changes: The OCR cannot dismiss or delay investigations of Title VI complaints solely due to similar complaints filed elsewhere, with limited exceptions for certain class actions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 487 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by adding new compliance and transparency mandates tied to program participation agreements.
- Introduces restrictions on OCR complaint handling that limit prior flexibility in dismissing or pausing cases based on parallel filings.
- Establishes temporary congressional oversight requirements for OCR activities related to Title VI.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases administrative burdens on the Department of Education's OCR through added reporting and limits on case management flexibility.
- On Citizens: Provides students and families with greater access to information about complaint processes and outcomes at institutions, potentially improving awareness of rights under Title VI.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Colleges and universities receiving federal funding.
- Students, families, and complainants alleging Title VI violations.
- The Department of Education, particularly its Office for Civil Rights.
- Congressional committees overseeing education policy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Ties institutional compliance directly to eligibility for federal student aid, creating financial incentives for adherence.
- Enhances congressional oversight of executive branch civil rights enforcement through mandatory briefings.
- May raise questions about due process in complaint handling and the balance between institutional autonomy and federal requirements, though the bill focuses on procedural transparency rather than altering substantive rights.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 15.
- 2026-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Student Protection and University Accountability Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (10 pages)