Merit Restoration Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 2, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to eliminate specific diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices from federal research funding and activities by prohibiting certain forms of discrimination and mandatory training or statements related to identity characteristics, with financial penalties for non-compliance.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits Federal research agencies from using "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices" when awarding, evaluating, or continuing Federal research grants. It also forbids recipients of these grants from using such practices in carrying out the funded research. The bill defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" to include discrimination based on certain identity characteristics and requiring specific trainings or assent to statements asserting inherent superiority, inferiority, oppression, or privilege based on those characteristics. Non-compliance by grant recipients would result in a freeze of federal funds and a requirement to repay misused funds.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill ensures federal research grants are awarded and conducted solely on merit, preventing discrimination and ideological litmus tests that they believe undermine scientific objectivity and equal opportunity. They contend it restores fairness by prohibiting practices that assert one group is inherently superior or inferior, or privileged or unprivileged, based on identity, thereby focusing on individual achievement rather than group identity.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that the bill undermines legitimate efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in scientific research, potentially exacerbating existing disparities and limiting the participation of underrepresented groups. They might contend that the definitions of "prohibited practices" are overly broad and could stifle important discussions about systemic biases and equitable access in research, hindering progress towards a more inclusive scientific community.
The bill is very short and straightforward, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions.
Section 2(a)(1)
Prohibition on Federal Research Agencies' DEI Practices
This provision forbids any Federal research agency from using "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices" when deciding to award, evaluate, or continue a Federal research grant. This means agencies cannot consider factors related to race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin in a discriminatory way, nor can they require specific DEI trainings or statements that assert inherent superiority or inferiority of groups.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this ensures that federal research funding decisions are based purely on scientific merit and research quality, rather than on demographic characteristics or adherence to specific ideological viewpoints related to DEI, thereby fostering a neutral and objective grant environment.
Critics contend
Critics might argue this provision could hinder efforts by federal agencies to address historical underrepresentation and systemic biases within research communities, potentially reducing diversity in scientific fields and limiting the range of perspectives in research.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between ensuring merit-based funding decisions and promoting diversity and inclusion within the federal research landscape.
Section 2(a)(2)
Prohibition on Grant Recipients' DEI Practices
This provision extends the prohibition on "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practices" to recipients of Federal research grants. This means universities, research institutions, and individual researchers receiving federal funds cannot use these practices when carrying out the funded research activities, including in their employment, promotion, or presentation requirements related to the grant.
Section 2(b)
Enforcement Mechanisms for Violations by Recipients
If a recipient of a Federal research grant is alleged to have violated the prohibition on DEI practices, the awarding Federal research agency must immediately freeze the receipt of federal funds for that grant. If the agency determines a violation occurred, it must then require the recipient to repay any federal funds used in connection with the violation, ensuring accountability for non-compliance.
Section 2(d)(3)
Definition of 'Prohibited Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion Practice'
This section defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" in three parts: (A) discriminating for or against any person based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin; (B) requiring training or education that asserts a particular group is inherently superior/inferior, oppressive/oppressed, or privileged/unprivileged based on these characteristics; and (C) requiring assent to statements, codes of conduct, or plans that assert the same as a condition of employment, promotion, or speaking.