Bill would bar public colleges from penalizing religious student groups

What does this do?

The Equal Campus Access Act of 2026 would bar public colleges from denying religious student groups the same rights and benefits given to other clubs, including facility access and official recognition. Schools couldn't deny these based on the group's religious beliefs, practices, speech, or leadership and conduct rules. Violating schools risk losing federal funding through the Higher Education Act.

Who does it affect?

This affects public colleges and universities receiving federal funding, and religious student organizations like campus ministries or faith-based clubs on those campuses. Private colleges are not covered.

Why does it matter?

Some schools have denied recognition to religious clubs that require leaders to share the group's faith, citing conflicts with nondiscrimination policies; this bill would prevent that practice. Affected schools would need to review their student group policies to avoid losing federal funding.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Risk: loss of federal funding
• Applies to Higher Education Act funds
• Only affects public colleges