Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

The Equal Campus Access Act of 2025 would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prevent public colleges and universities from denying any religious student organization equal treatment relative to other student groups. Specifically, public institutions that receive funds under the Act could not withhold rights, benefits, or privileges such as full access to campus facilities or official recognition merely because of a religious group’s beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct. The bill thereby aims to ensure religious student organizations have the same opportunities to meet, use spaces, and be officially recognized as other student groups at public institutions. Potential impact includes stronger protection against religious discrimination on campus for student groups, while colleges would need to ensure their policies and facilities access are applied neutrally. It could also prompt legal and policy reviews at public institutions to align with the new requirement and clarify what counts as a “right, benefit, or privilege” and what constitutes legitimate restrictions under campus policies.