S. 1811: EDUCATE Act

This bill, called the EDUCATE Act, seeks to change certain federal financial assistance eligibility requirements for graduate medical schools. It specifically aims to prohibit these schools from receiving federal funds unless they comply with specific policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions of the bill:

Proposed Limitations on Federal Assistance

The bill states that graduate medical schools can only qualify for federal funding if they certify that they do not:

• Compel Statements: Require faculty, staff, or students to declare any of the following:
• That individuals of certain races, ethnicities, or other identities are categorized as oppressor or oppressed.
• That people should be treated differently based on their identity characteristics.
• That individuals share guilt for past actions of others within their identity groups.
• That the United States is fundamentally unjust or inherently racist.
• Adverse Actions Against Students: Take actions that negatively impact students based on their identity, such as:
• Classifying students based on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
• Establishing benefits or opportunities based solely on these characteristics.
• Providing instruction focused only on these characteristics.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Offices: Create or maintain offices or departments dedicated to DEI initiatives.
• Diversity Statements for Admission/Employment: Require or incentivize individuals to submit diversity statements as a condition for becoming a student or obtaining a job.

Compliance with Civil Rights Laws

In addition to the above requirements, institutions must certify that they will adhere to existing civil rights laws, including parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Education Amendments of 1972. This stipulation ensures that while diversity initiatives are minimized, compliance with anti-discrimination laws is still maintained.

Accrediting Agencies and Associations

The bill also modifies requirements for accrediting agencies. These agencies must show that they do not mandate adherence to policies that conflict with the established limitations in the EDUCATE Act to qualify institutions for accreditation.

Clarifications and Exceptions

The bill contains clarifications stating that it does not prohibit medical schools from:

• Teaching about medical conditions related to any individual’s identity characteristics.
• Collecting demographic data for informational purposes.

Additionally, it suggests that the Act should not affect the rights of individuals to express their views or engage in academic practices that comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

Severability Clause

The bill includes a severability clause, meaning that if any part of the legislation is found to be invalid, the rest of the Act would still stand.

Relevant Companies

None found.