The proposal would exempt qualifying religious programs from an earnings-based eligibility test.
Sens. James Lankford and Ted Cruz are proposing protections for students preparing for ministry, arguing that federal student-aid eligibility should not depend solely on the salaries graduates earn.
The Republicans announced the Religious Education Fairness Act on September 29.
Their proposal targets an earnings-based accountability measure that can affect educational programs’ access to federal student loans.
The bill text covers programs classified as theology and religious vocations, or philosophy and religious studies, at institutions qualifying for the existing Title IX religious exemption.
Lankford, of Oklahoma, said students pursuing service-oriented callings should not lose assistance because those careers typically pay less. Cruz represents Texas.
Supporters include Alliance Defending Freedom, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities and organizations representing Bible colleges and other religious institutions.
The underlying accountability framework uses graduate earnings to assess educational outcomes. The senators argue that applying that approach to ministry preparation fails to account for the nature of religious service.
Their office also contends that the rules raise religious-freedom concerns. That contention is the sponsors’ legal position, not a court ruling.
The announced legislation is a proposal, not an enacted exemption. It would apply to specified programs and qualifying institutions rather than every course offered by a religious college.
Featured image: United States Capitol in Washington. File photograph. Photo by Caleb Perez on Unsplash.
