Colleges would publish anti-harassment policies and track student complaints

Covered colleges would publish policies that prohibit harassment and explain how they handle complaints. The requirement would cover colleges participating in federal student aid programs, except foreign colleges, and harassment of enrolled students by students, faculty, or staff. Protection would cover actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or religion. Sex would include sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, sex stereotypes, and sex characteristics, including intersex traits. Policies would explain timely responses, possible penalties, available support services, and notice to both sides of disciplinary outcomes.

Covered colleges would assign an employee or office to receive and track harassment reports. These duties would apply to colleges participating in federal student aid programs, except foreign colleges. The designated contact would handle reports from students, faculty, or staff. The published report would describe each pattern of harassment based on the protected characteristics and the college's response.

The Education Department could award competitive grants for college programs that address identity-based harassment. Colleges could apply alone, with a nonprofit partner, or as a group of colleges in the same state. Applicants would compete, with awards based on greatest need and greatest potential benefit. Programs could serve students who experienced harassment or were accused of it. Congress would still need to provide the money; the $50 million yearly authorization does not itself fund grants. The funding authorization covers fiscal years 2026 through 2031. Grants would last up to three years, with one possible renewal of up to two years.