NW Houston News

Congressman Dan Crenshaw has reintroduced legislation that seeks to withdraw federal funding from universities mandating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements for admission, employment, or advancement. The proposal aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965.

"We saw an alarming rise in anti-Semitism starting on October 7, 2023, with a wave of hate spreading across college campuses," said Congressman Crenshaw. "President Trump has made it clear that we must take decisive action to combat the radicalization happening in our institutions. Now, things are beginning to change, and this legislation builds on his leadership, ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not fund universities that impose ideological purity tests on students and faculty."

The bill prohibits higher education institutions from requiring ideological statements during admissions or hiring processes. It ensures universities cannot compel individuals to endorse DEI ideologies or submit statements regarding race or political views as prerequisites for participation.

Additionally, no federally funded institution can mandate applicants to affirm race-based ideologies or DEI topics as conditions for admission or employment. Universities are also barred from offering preferential treatment based on unsolicited support for DEI ideologies.

The legislation includes provisions safeguarding academic freedom by clarifying it does not limit coursework, research, or lawful non-discrimination policies.

Crenshaw's proposal builds upon conservative efforts in Texas where state lawmakers have restricted DEI policies in public universities. His bill aims to extend these principles nationwide for all federally funded institutions.

Furthermore, the bill outlines enforcement guidelines preventing universities from bypassing these protections while ensuring federal tax dollars do not support ideological gatekeeping.