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Bill

S 813

Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Beach and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey colleges must publicly report bias intimidation statistics and adopt governing board policies addressing such incidents to improve campus safety transparency.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee
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Bill Summary · S 813

Legislative bill overview

S 813 requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to publicly report statistics on bias-related intimidation incidents and mandates that institutional governing boards adopt formal policies addressing bias intimidation. The bill aims to increase transparency and establish standardized institutional responses to incidents motivated by prejudice based on protected characteristics.

Why is this important

Campus climate and student safety are significant concerns for families choosing institutions and for institutional accountability. Public reporting requirements can inform prospective students and families about campus safety culture, while standardized policies may help institutions respond consistently to bias-motivated incidents. This reflects a broader trend toward transparency metrics in higher education.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill does not define "bias intimidation," leaving ambiguity about what incidents must be reported and how they differ from other conduct violations or hate crimes
  • Reporting burden and privacy concerns: Colleges may face conflicts between transparency mandates and student privacy protections (FERPA), creating administrative complexity and potential legal concerns
  • Policy standardization vs. institutional autonomy: Mandating specific board-adopted policies may limit institutions' flexibility to tailor approaches to their unique campus contexts and existing conduct systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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