Republicans introduced Bill H.R. 3518 that would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit funding to graduate medical schools that adopt DEI policies

The Higher Education Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to strengthen educational resources and provide financial assistance to students in higher education. It established programs for library development, urban land-grant institutions, and historically Black colleges and universities. Critically, it restructured federal student aid, creating grants, loans, and work-study programs to expand access to education. 

H.R. 3518 is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026) that aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. The bill’s primary goal is to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving federal financial assistance if they adopt certain policies and requirements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is sponsored by Rep. Gregory F. Murphy (NC). 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

• Purpose: To prevent federal funding for medical schools that implement diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates in certain ways.
• Key Provisions: The bill specifically targets DEI policies and requirements within graduate medical schools that might be seen as potentially discriminatory or burdensome.
• Current Status: Introduced in the House on May 20, 2025.
• Committees: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

It was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 20, 2025, by Representative Gregory F. Murphy. 

Purpose: The purpose of H.R. 3518 is to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit graduate medical schools from receiving Federal financial assistance if such schools adopt certain policies and requirements relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Key Provisions: The bill would make graduate medical schools ineligible for Federal financial assistance if they, for example, require individuals to express certain tenets about diversity, equity, and inclusion as a condition for benefits or admission, or if they require diversity statements for admission or employment. It would also prohibit establishing or maintaining a diversity, equity, and inclusion office. 

As of June 2, 2025, the bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. 

The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) is a federal law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, that strengthens educational resources at colleges and universities while providing financial assistance to students pursuing postsecondary and higher education. It has been reauthorized several times and is the main law governing federal student aid. 

Here’s a more detailed look:

Key Objectives and Provisions:

• Strengthening educational resources: The HEA aims to improve resources available to colleges and universities, including library programs and continuing education initiatives. 
• Financial assistance to students: The Act provides financial aid to students, including low-interest federal student loans and need-based grants like the Pell Grant. 
• Teacher preparation: The HEA supports programs to improve the quality of teachers, including the establishment of the National Teacher Corps. 
• Institutional aid: The HEA provides aid to institutions, particularly those serving minority or low-income populations, to enhance their programs and library resources. 

Impact and Significance:

• Increased access to higher education: The HEA has been instrumental in making higher education more accessible to a wider range of individuals, regardless of income or background. 
• Cornerstone of college affordability: The National Education Association has called the HEA “the cornerstone of college affordability” for Americans. 
• Federal oversight of higher education: The HEA is a key federal law governing the higher education system, including student aid programs and teacher preparation. 

Major Components:

• Title IV (Student Assistance): This title authorizes and funds various student aid programs, including scholarships, low-interest loans, and work-study programs. 
• Title V (Developing Institutions): This title provides support to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions. 
• Title VI (International Education Programs): This title supports international education programs and initiatives. 
• Title VII (Graduate and Postsecondary Improvement Programs): This title supports programs related to graduate education and postsecondary improvement.