Education, Higher - As enacted, prohibits institutions of higher education from excluding a person from benefits, activities, and employment, or making decisions, based on a person's race, color, ethnicity, or national origin; requires such institutions to provide notice of such prohibitions; authorizes injunctive and declaratory relief for violations. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7.

SB 376 prohibits Tennessee four-year public and private colleges and universities (excluding those governed by the Board of Regents) from discriminating against students, staff, or applicants based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It bans institutions from using race, ethnicity, or national origin in admissions decisions, financial aid, or scholarships, and requires them to keep such data confidential until decisions are made. The law creates private lawsuits allowing individuals to seek damages (including a minimum $4,000 statutory penalty), injunctive relief, and declaratory judgments for violations. It directly affects all covered institutions and their admissions, financial aid, and employment practices.