Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3724 - End Woke Higher Education Act

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

(House Rules)

The Administration opposes H.R. 3724, the "End Woke Higher Education Act."

The Administration strongly supports students' freedoms of speech and religion. The Administration also supports the rights of independent institutions of higher education to define their own values, consistent with students' rights. H.R. 3724 would micromanage both public and private institutions, undermining their ability to recognize and promote diversity. Among other things, H.R. 3724 would dictate procedures for recognizing and funding student organizations, charging security fees around events, and authorizing fraternities and sororities. In addition, the bill sets forth prescriptive speech rules for public institutions, which are required to abide by the First Amendment. H.R. 3724 would go beyond Congress's traditional role in higher education with a wide range of confusing and unprecedented new mandates.

There are more appropriate ways to ensure that schools are free from discrimination and that students may exercise their rights. For example, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (ED OCR) enforces a number of civil rights laws that apply to colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to increase funding for ED OCR and support other efforts to protect students' rights.

Because of Republican-backed efforts to limit the ability of colleges and universities to admit a diverse student body, many college classes look less like America this year than in prior years. This legislation would further undermine efforts to make colleges welcoming to all students.