The passage of the End Woke Higher Education Act by the U.S. House of Representatives—currently awaiting a Senate vote—marks a significant victory for constitutional freedoms in higher education. At a time when campuses are increasingly dominated by restrictive speech codes and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) mandates, this bill offers a much-needed course correction.
If passed in full, this legislation will ensure that universities remain spaces for free thought, unshackled from political litmus tests. The act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit accrediting agencies from requiring, encouraging, or coercing institutions to adopt political or ideological positions as a condition of accreditation.
For years, accrediting bodies have wielded significant influence over which institutions are eligible for federal funds. More recently, their role has expanded to enforcing ideological standards, often tied to controversial DEI initiatives. This amendment strikes at the heart of this practice, barring accreditors from compelling schools to adopt political positions or violate constitutionally protected rights. As National Association of Scholars Board of Directors Member Adam Kissel notes in his summary of the bill, “accreditors too often abuse their gatekeeping power. This bill ensures that, at least for student aid purposes, accreditors do not stray beyond the letter of the law.”
The bill also defends the independence of religious schools. Institutions with religious missions can maintain codes of conduct or statements of faith without risking accreditation if these policies align with federal law or court rulings. The “Limitation on Scope of Criteria” section ensures accrediting agencies cannot impose requirements beyond those necessary for Title IV participation, giving religious schools greater autonomy to preserve their core values while remaining eligible for federal funding.
A key provision—the Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act—ensures that nonsectarian institutions adopt policies aligning with free speech principles. The bill encourages universities to embrace the Chicago Principles or similar guidelines that affirm a commitment to free expression. Public institutions, particularly, are prohibited from conditioning admissions, promotions, or tenure on political pledges, including DEI statements. This safeguard sets a clear boundary: universities must protect free speech and intellectual inquiry, not use them as bargaining chips for ideological loyalty.
Transparency is another cornerstone of the bill. If it passes the Senate and becomes law, universities must publicly disclose their free speech, association, and religion policies annually. This reporting will clarify where institutions stand and provide students and faculty with recourse if their rights are violated. Mandatory disclosure holds universities accountable and allows the public to assess whether schools are truly fostering a marketplace of ideas.
The bill also ensures equal treatment for student organizations. It prevents universities from denying recognition or funding to groups based on their viewpoints. Too often, religious or conservative organizations have been sidelined because they don’t align with the prevailing campus ideology. The End Woke Higher Education Act guarantees that all student groups will be treated equally regardless of their beliefs.
Ultimately, the act promotes the most essential form of diversity: diversity of thought. It ensures that students will be exposed to a wide range of ideas rather than being funneled into a narrow ideological agenda. Higher education should challenge assumptions, foster critical thinking, and encourage debate. By eliminating coercive political litmus tests, this bill ensures that universities remain spaces for genuine intellectual exploration. And, all in all, while the fight for free speech in academia continues, this act draws a decisive line against the ideological capture of American universities.
Image by Pierrette Guertin — Adobe Stock — Asset ID#: 77017151
This article was originally published at www.mindingthecampus.org
