Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Helping Applicants Receive Valid And Reasonable Decisions Act” or the “HARVARD Act”.
Helping Applicants Receive Valid And Reasonable Decisions Act
A BILL
To direct institutions of higher education to improve transparency with respect to the use of personality traits in admissions, and for other purposes.
Sec. 2 Use of personality traits in admissions
Section 487(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1094(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(30)
“(A) In the case of an institution that considers the personality traits of applicants in making admission determinations, the institution shall make available on the public website and application materials of such institution—
“(i) a statement informing applicants of the use of personality traits in making admission determinations;
“(ii) the rationale for such use of personality traits;
“(iii) a description of the process under which personality traits are considered; and
“(iv) the standards and criteria used for rating personality traits.
“(B) In this paragraph, the term “personality traits” means, with respect to an individual, the patterns of such individual with respect to behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, and may include patterns relating to humor, sensitivity, grit, leadership, integrity, helpfulness, courage, and kindness.”