The Merit Restoration Act would prohibit federal research agencies and organizations receiving federal research grants from using what the bill calls "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices" when awarding, evaluating, or administering research funding. The bill defines these prohibited practices as discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, as well as requiring employees or grant participants to undergo training or sign statements asserting that particular groups are inherently superior, inferior, oppressive, or privileged based on these characteristics. The bill would apply to all new federal research grant agreements made after its enactment and would require federal agencies to freeze funding and demand repayment of grants if they discover recipients violating these restrictions. The legislation affects federal research agencies, universities, research institutions, and other organizations that receive federal research funding across the country. No specific funding amount or timeline is specified in the bill beyond the requirement that provisions apply to agreements entered into after the bill becomes law.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.