The "Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026" amends the Higher Education Act to prohibit institutions of higher education from engaging in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of major strategic partners of the United States. It requires these institutions to annually certify their commitment to academic programs and collaborations with these partners; failure to do so renders them ineligible for Title VI funds. A supporting statement emphasizes that limitations on cooperative efforts with major strategic partners are detrimental to the United States' security, stability, and economy. This bill's impact is on the conduct of institutions of higher education and their relationships with major strategic partners in terms of academic and collaborative programs.
Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
This bill prohibits institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in boycotts against Israel. Specifically, IHEs may not engage in a commercial action intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or with an entity licensed by, regulated by, or organized under the laws of Israel, that is not based on a valid business reason.
Further, IHEs receiving, or applying to receive, Title VI funds (federal funding for foreign language and international education programs) must annually certify that (1) students and faculty are allowed to participate in academic programs located in Israel in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as programs in other foreign countries, and (2) students and faculty at postsecondary institutions located in Israel may participate in such IHE’s academic programs in the same manner and under the same terms and conditions as students and faculty from other foreign countries.