This bill would create a new Office of the Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education within the Department of Education to investigate colleges and universities for admissions practices that violate civil rights laws, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's 2023 decision against race-based college admissions. The Special Inspector General would have authority to receive complaints from students and staff, investigate alleged discrimination, review federal policies that might encourage unlawful practices, and recommend remedies, disciplinary action against employees, or loss of federal funding eligibility for institutions found to violate equal protection laws or the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The position would require Senate confirmation and be based on qualifications in higher education, civil rights, auditing, and investigations, with the Inspector General required to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing allegations received and violations found. The legislation authorizes $25 million in funding for the office and sets a 12-year sunset date for the program. Colleges and universities that receive federal student aid would face potential loss of that funding if found to have discriminatory admissions policies or financial aid practices.
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