This bill directs colleges and universities to make how they handle complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act public and to follow certain procedures. Schools must publish their investigative processes, name at least one employee to coordinate Title VI work, keep records of complaints and outcomes, and give complainants timely notices. Notices must be sent within 30 days of receiving a complaint and within 30 days after an investigation outcome, explaining results and any remedies. Schools must also post contact steps for reporting complaints and link to the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint form. When OCR issues public awareness materials about Title VI protections, institutions must display them on campus and on their websites within 30 days and keep them posted for at least one year or until new materials are released.
The bill amends the Higher Education Act so an institution must attest annually that it follows these requirements. If a school fails to comply for two consecutive award years, it becomes ineligible to participate in programs under that title for at least the next two award years until it shows compliance. The changes take effect on the first day of the first award year after enactment.
The bill also requires the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to brief the House and Senate education committees every two months for two years about OCR complaints alleging race, color, or national origin discrimination. Those briefings must protect personally identifiable information and break down complaint data by basis of alleged discrimination. OCR must submit a written report 48 hours before each briefing. The bill limits OCR from closing or delaying certain complaints when the same allegations are filed with other agencies or courts, except in narrow class-action situations.
No publicly available information on expected costs or funding.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.