Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act

This bill prohibits higher education accreditation bodies from considering an institution's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies or the racial composition of its students, faculty, or staff when evaluating accreditation. It directly affects all colleges and universities seeking or maintaining accreditation, with specific exemptions for religiously controlled institutions (e.g., those with religious missions, doctrinal requirements, or financial ties to religious organizations). The law adds a new requirement that accreditors must disregard DEI factors and racial composition, while also creating a legal pathway for institutions to sue if accreditation is denied based on these prohibited considerations. Religious institutions meeting defined criteria (like divinity schools or those with religious charters) are exempt from the "free inquiry" requirements related to DEI.