H.R. 3606 — Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025

This section establishes a private civil right of action for violations of any disparate impact regulation issued under section 602 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) that was promulgated and in effect on January 19, 2025, to the same extent as for intentional violations of the nondiscrimination prohibition in section 601. (Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.)

This section requires recipients of federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (i.e., institutions operating education programs or activities) under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to designate at least one employee to coordinate compliance with Title VI requirements—including investigating complaints of noncompliance or prohibited discrimination—and to notify students and employees of the designated employee's name, office address, and telephone number.

This section establishes in the Department of Education a Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion, appointed by the Secretary, to promote, coordinate, and evaluate agency program compliance with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (i.e., prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance); disseminate information on rights under the Act; provide technical assistance; coordinate related research activities; and advise the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on title VI compliance.