Merit Restoration Act

This bill would bar federal research agencies from using defined diversity, equity, or inclusion practices when awarding, evaluating, or continuing federal research grants, and would bar grant recipients from using them while carrying out the grants. The banned practices include discriminating for or against anyone based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin. They also include requiring employees to take training, or to sign statements, that say one such group is inherently or systemically superior, inferior, oppressive, oppressed, privileged, or unprivileged. If a recipient is alleged to violate the ban, the awarding agency must freeze the grant's funds, and if the agency finds a violation, the recipient must repay the funds used in the violation. The rules apply to grant agreements made on or after the bill becomes law.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Ralph Norman Republican sponsor
• 13 cosponsors