The proposed bill, known as the Equal Treatment in Higher Education Act of 2025, seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives across various state institutions, including the executive branch, primary and secondary schools, and higher education. It establishes definitions and legislative findings related to DEI, explicitly prohibiting the establishment of DEI offices, hiring for DEI roles, and requiring DEI statements or trainings. The bill also introduces a complaint and appeals process for parents and guardians of students who believe their rights have been violated, along with reporting requirements for school administrators. Additionally, it grants immunity from civil liability to school employees regarding the use of pronouns that correspond to a student's biological sex.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of free speech and expression in educational settings, mandating that institutions do not suppress debate based on perceived offensiveness. It prohibits the requirement for students or employees to affirm concepts related to race, ethnicity, or sex, and disallows preferential treatment based on these characteristics. Institutions must maintain a neutral stance on contested opinions related to DEI and ensure that any training aligns with this neutrality. The bill aims to reshape DEI practices in higher education, focusing on merit-based support while safeguarding individual rights under the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-33-1, 5-33-2, 5-33-3, 18B-1G-1, 18B-1G-2, 18B-1G-3, 18B-1G-4, 18B-1G-5, 18-2-9b, 18-5-29, 18B-14-5, 18B-14-6
Committee Substitute: 5-33-1, 5-33-2, 5-33-3, 18B-1G-1, 18B-1G-2, 18B-1G-3, 18B-1G-4, 18B-1G-5, 18-2-9b, 18-5-29, 18B-14-5, 18B-14-6
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 5-33-1, 5-33-2, 5-33-3, 18B-1G-1, 18B-1G-2, 18B-1G-3, 18B-1G-4, 18B-1G-5, 18-2-9b, 18-5-29, 18-5-50, 18B-14-5, 18B-14-6
Enrolled Version: 5-33-1, 5-33-2, 5-33-3, 18B-1G-1, 18B-1G-2, 18B-1G-3, 18B-1G-4, 18B-1G-5, 18-2-9b, 18-5-29, 18-5-50, 18B-14-5, 18B-14-6