Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025

The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025 primarily amends Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to **restore the right to individual civil actions** in cases involving disparate impact. Specifically, it allows private citizens to sue for violations of disparate impact regulations that were promulgated and in effect on January 19, 2025. This provision grants individuals the same enforcement rights for disparate impact violations as they have for intentional discrimination under Title VI. Beyond restoring private rights of action, the bill introduces new enforcement mechanisms. It requires recipients of federal financial assistance for education programs to **designate at least one employee** to coordinate Title VI compliance efforts and investigate complaints, with notification to students and employees. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a **Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion** within the Department of Education, tasked with promoting, coordinating, and evaluating Title VI compliance, informing individuals of their rights, and advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on these matters.