AR HB1944

Creates the Demographic Preference Disclosure Act requiring state-supported institutions of higher education to annually report to the legislature and public whether race, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other demographic preferences are considered in student admissions beginning October 1, 2016.

Requires detailed reporting on how demographic preferences are determined, weighted, and used to meet targets or goals; why they are considered; consideration of neutral alternatives; and statistical analysis of correlations between group membership and admissions favoritism, remediation enrollment, graduation rates, and education loan defaults.

Mandates institutions provide raw admissions data in computer-readable form (with student names redacted) showing applicant factors, demographics, and admissions decisions to allow statistical analysis of weight given to demographic preferences relative to other factors.

Requires state agencies, boards, and commissions with 15 or more employees to provide similar annual employment process reports starting October 1, 2016, disclosing use of demographic preferences in hiring decisions with comparable data and analysis requirements.

Establishes that the subchapter does not allow or permit preference or discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin; institutions and agencies needing only to file a statement if they do not use demographic preferences in their decision processes.