House Bill 3319, known as the "Restoring Sanity Act," seeks to amend West Virginia's education code by prohibiting school districts, public charter schools, and state institutions of higher education from providing or requiring instruction on specific concepts related to race, ethnicity, and biological sex that are considered discriminatory or oppressive. The bill defines terms such as "biological sex" and outlines prohibited teachings, including the notion that one race or sex is superior to another or that individuals should feel guilt based on their race or sex. It also establishes procedures for complaints and appeals regarding alleged violations and mandates reporting requirements for educational institutions.

Additionally, the bill prohibits state institutions of higher education from employing diversity, equity, and inclusion officers or offices, reallocating those funds to merit scholarships or tuition reductions for eligible students. It clarifies that employees are not obligated to use a student's preferred pronoun if it does not align with their biological sex, protecting them from civil liability or adverse employment actions. The legislation emphasizes free speech and expression while requiring educational institutions to maintain neutrality on contentious issues related to race and gender, including prohibiting diversity statements during admissions or hiring processes. Overall, the bill aims to reshape the educational landscape by limiting the influence of certain ideologies in higher education.

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