The proposed Restoring Sanity Act aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing new regulations that prohibit educational institutions from teaching concepts that imply any race, ethnic group, or biological sex is superior or inferior to another. It specifically targets school districts, public charter schools, and state institutions of higher education, establishing complaint and appeal procedures for violations. The bill also protects employees from being compelled to use a student's preferred pronoun if it does not align with their biological sex, ensuring they are not held civilly liable in such cases. Additionally, it prohibits the establishment of diversity, equity, and inclusion offices in higher education, reallocating those funds to merit scholarships or tuition reductions.

In conjunction with the Restoring Sanity Act, the Anti-Racism Act of 2025 sets forth guidelines for state institutions of higher education regarding discrimination and free speech. It defines key terms such as "biological sex," "ethnic group," and "race," and mandates that these institutions prohibit discrimination based on these categories. The bill emphasizes the protection of free speech, stating that universities cannot suppress debate based on perceived offensiveness and prohibits the requirement for students or employees to affirm concepts that promote a hierarchy based on race, ethnicity, or biological sex. It also ensures that no diversity training or statements are mandated in admissions or employment processes, while outlining the responsibilities of educational institutions to maintain compliance with these regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-9b, 18-5-29, 18B-1G-1, 18B-1G-2, 18B-1G-3, 18B-1G-4, 18B-1G-5, 18B-14-5, 18B-14-6