Legislation Search

S. 2859: Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Equal Campus Access Act of 2025, proposes amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 with the aim of ensuring that public institutions of higher education provide equal access to campus facilities and recognition for religious student organizations. The key aspects of the bill include:

Prohibition of Discrimination Against Religious Groups

The bill stipulates that any public college or university receiving federal funding is prohibited from denying religious student organizations rights or privileges that other student organizations enjoy. This includes:

Access to campus facilities.
Official recognition by the institution.
Any other benefits or rights accorded to non-religious student organizations.

Conditions for Funding

Public institutions that fail to comply with these requirements would not be eligible to receive federal funds under the Higher Education Act. This means if a college or university discriminates against a religious organization based on its beliefs, practices, speech, or leadership criteria, it could lose access to federal financial support.

Purpose of the Legislation

The purpose behind this legislation is to prevent what proponents consider discrimination against religious beliefs in public education settings. The bill's supporters argue that it will provide a level playing field for religious organizations on campus.

Implications for Institutions

Public institutions would need to review and potentially change their policies regarding student organizations to ensure compliance with this bill. They would have to implement practices that allow religious groups to participate equally in campus life, just like other student organizations.

Relevant Companies

None found.

This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

Actions

2 actions

Date	Action
Sep. 18, 2025	Introduced in Senate
Sep. 18, 2025	Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6732-6734)

Corporate Lobbying

0 companies lobbying