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 from the executive branch, primary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education in West Virginia. It establishes a framework that prohibits the creation of DEI offices, hiring for DEI roles, and mandatory participation in DEI training. The bill also outlines specific concepts that cannot be taught in educational settings, such as the superiority of one race or sex over another, and ensures that individuals are not made to feel guilt or discomfort based on their race or sex. Institutions are required to report their compliance with these provisions annually and redirect any unspent funds from DEI initiatives towards merit scholarships and tuition reductions for lower-income and first-generation college students.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of free speech and expression, mandating that institutions must not suppress debate based on the perceived offensiveness of ideas. It prohibits the solicitation of diversity statements during admissions or hiring processes and ensures that no preferential treatment is given based on race or ethnicity. The legislation also provides a complaint and appeals process for parents and guardians of students who feel aggrieved by violations of the bill, while offering immunity from civil liability for county board and public charter school employees. Overall, the bill aims to create a more equitable educational environment by focusing on merit-based practices and ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

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