Claim: Congress will be voting on a bill that would prohibit the use of affirmative action measures in admissions procedures at any colleges and universities that receive federal funding.
Status: False.
Example: [Collected on the Internet, 1999]
SENATE PASSES BILL ON NO FUNDING FOR MINORITIES IN COLLEGE!! A bill will be heard in Congress next week to prohibit affirmative action in admissions for ANY institution of higher education that receives ANY federal funding (Pell grants, loans, etc.). This would end affirmative action in EVERY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY IN THE UNITED STATES! Rep. Frank Riggs The amendment would prohibit all institutions of higher education from using affirmative action in its' admission decisions. If even one student at the institution receives federal funds (i.e., Pell Grant or Student Loan) they would be violating federal law under this proposal. Affirmative action would be illegal even if the school believes it is necessary to insure a diverse student body, or to remedy past or present discrimination. Call members of Congress (202) They need to hear from us the importance of affirmative action. PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! ALL OF US WILL LOSE IF THIS BILL BECOMES THE LAW OF THE LAND! How to contact via e-mail: https://www.house.gov/riggs/contact.htm |
Origins: At least this one (except for some hyperbole) was real; the problem is that it's several years out of date.
The Higher Education Act of 1965 was, like the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a piece of civil rights legislation passed by the Johnson administration. It sought to improve access to higher education for minorities and the needy students, and to strengthen the educational institutions that serviced those students.
In 1998, the House of Representatives voted on
An amendment, printed as amendment
However, Rep. Riggs' amendment was defeated by a vote of
Yes, there was some substance to this warning, but the issue has long since been settled, so there's no need to write your Congressman or call the President. And Mr. Riggs is no longer a Representative, so there's no need to organize a campaign to defeat his
Last updated: 4 December 2007