Prohibits higher education accrediting agencies from considering diversity, equity, and inclusion practices

Current or former students or employees of a public institution of higher education may bring a civil action against an accrediting agency for violations of this act. If the court finds that the accrediting agency violated the act, the agency shall pay the prevailing party's reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, damages in an amount specified in the act, and civil penalties of up to $1,000 per student who attended the institution at the time when the violation occurred or, if no students attended the institution at the time when the violation occurred, up to $1,000 per student who attended the institution in the immediately preceding semester.

Violations of this act are classified as unlawful discriminatory practices under Missouri human rights law and unfair practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. The Attorney General is authorized to investigate and seek appropriate legal remedies for any violations to the full extent permitted by law. OLIVIA SHANNON