# College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary

## What This Bill Does

This bill creates a new federal watchdog office called the "Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education" within the Department of Education. The office would investigate complaints that colleges and universities are violating civil rights laws in their admissions decisions, financial aid determinations, and academic programs. The bill is specifically focused on enforcing the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that banned race-based college admissions policies, and ensuring colleges comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by institutions receiving federal funding.

## Who Is Affected

- **College applicants and students** could file complaints with this new office if they believe they were treated unfairly in admissions or financial aid decisions
- **Colleges and universities** that receive federal student aid would be subject to investigations and oversight by this new office
- **College employees** could also report violations they witness at their institutions
- **Federal agencies** would coordinate with this office on enforcement actions

## Key Provisions

- A Senate-confirmed Special Inspector General would lead the office and investigate discrimination complaints
- The office would review federal policies that might encourage colleges to violate civil rights laws
- The office could make recommendations to colleges, the Secretary of Education, and the Attorney General
- The office would report to Congress on its findings and recommendations
- The bill applies to any institution receiving federal student assistance or federal institutional aid