The ALERT Act requires colleges and universities that receive federal student aid money to do an annual check-in with the Department of Education. Specifically, they need to confirm that they've reviewed reports of serious misconduct by their employees—things like domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The key part is that the college president and board members have to certify that they didn't interfere with or try to influence how these investigations were handled or what the outcomes were. Essentially, this is about making sure that college leadership isn't sweeping these serious issues under the rug or using their power to protect employees accused of misconduct. It's a transparency and accountability measure designed to protect students by ensuring that investigations into these crimes are conducted fairly and without pressure from the top.

ALERT Act

Peters, Gary C.

Accountability of Leaders in Education to Report Title IX Investigations Act or the ALERT Act This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student-aid programs to certify annually with the Department of Education that they have reviewed reports of misconduct by their employees involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The certification must include a confirmation that the IHE's president and board members involved in the review did not interfere with or influence investigations or dispositions.