Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act

The Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act would change how accrediting agencies are recognized and overseen under the Higher Education Act. It adds new restrictions on accrediting bodies, specifically prohibiting them from imposing or considering factors related to race, color, sex, or national origin when evaluating or accrediting institutions. It also requires accrediting agencies to permit each institution to adopt lawful policies addressing these factors, regardless of the institution’s mission. The bill defines “free inquiry” (academic freedom) and creates exemptions for religiously affiliated institutions. It also creates a civil action pathway for institutions denied or threatened with accreditation renewal due to an accrediting agency’s alleged violation of these new requirements. In short, the bill aims to protect academic freedom and religious liberty in higher education while limiting the role of race- or-origin-based considerations in accreditation decisions, and it provides a potential legal remedy for affected institutions.