Merit Restoration Act

Key Points

• The bill bans federal research agencies from using DEI-related practices when awarding, evaluating, or continuing research grants. It also bars grant recipients like universities and research institutions from using these practices while carrying out federally funded research.
• "Prohibited DEI practices" include discriminating for or against anyone based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin. The bill also bans requiring employees to take training or sign statements that claim certain groups are inherently superior, inferior, oppressive, or privileged.
• Grant recipients who violate the ban face serious consequences: the government will immediately freeze their funding, and they may be forced to repay any federal money spent while violating the rules.
• The restrictions apply only to new grants signed after the bill becomes law and cover a broad range of research funded by the government, including scientific, medical, technological, and engineering activities.