MN HF5484

Public postsecondary institutions governed by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees are prohibited from conditioning admission, employment, or promotion on pledges or statements of support for or opposition to political ideologies, including those regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, or patriotism.

Institutions cannot grant or deny admission, benefits, hiring, or promotion based on the viewpoints expressed in any political pledges or statements they receive from applicants or employees.

All public postsecondary institutions must post and make publicly available on their websites all training materials and policies related to nondiscrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, sex, and bias.

Individuals whose rights are violated may sue institutions in state or federal court for declaratory relief, injunctions, damages, court costs, and attorney fees within one year of the violation, and the attorney general may file suit with civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation.

The act does not restrict academic freedom, prevent teaching or research on covered topics, prohibit enforcement of federal or state law, or prevent consideration of a candidate's scholarship and expertise in their field.