Freedom from Ideological Requirements Act

Summary#

This bill would stop the use of federal funds for certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities in Federal hiring and employment. It would bar requiring DEI training or forcing civil service employees to sign or endorse DEI-centered statements as a condition of getting or keeping a job. It would also bar developing, implementing, distributing, planning, or purchasing training for the Federal workforce that relates to DEI, critical theory about race and gender, intersectionality, sexual orientation or gender identity, or the idea that a race or other group is inherently or systemically superior or inferior. The bill excludes commonly accepted hiring or employment practices that prevent sexual harassment. The bill also defines "diversity, equity, and inclusion" in specific terms, including claims about inherent group superiority or claims that systemic racism is embedded in legal systems and structures.

What it means for you#

  • If you are applying for or working in the civil service, an agency could not require you to take DEI training or to sign DEI-focused statements as a condition of appointment or continued employment, under the bill's definition.
  • Federal agencies could not use federal funds to buy or run training for the Federal workforce on the listed topics.
  • The bill's limits apply to actions involving obligation or expenditure of federal funds and to hiring and employment in the civil service as defined in title 5, United States Code.

Expenses#

The bill would prohibit certain uses of federal funds for specified DEI-related activities. No publicly available information on overall budgetary impacts, savings, or enforcement costs is included in the bill text or metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.