Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026

This bill would prohibit institutions of higher education that participate in federal student aid programs from engaging in boycotts against Israel, including commercial actions intended to limit relations without a valid business reason. Additionally, institutions receiving federal funding for international education would be required to certify annually that students and faculty can participate in academic programs in Israel under the same terms as programs in other foreign countries. The bill also proposes that these institutions must allow students and faculty from Israeli postsecondary institutions to participate in their own academic programs on the same basis as those from other nations.

This bill affects institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs or receive Title VI funding for foreign language and international education. It also impacts students and faculty members who participate in academic exchange programs between U.S. institutions and postsecondary institutions located in Israel. Additionally, the legislation applies to entities licensed by, regulated by, or organized under the laws of Israel that engage in commercial relations with these U.S. educational institutions.

• Prohibition on commercial boycotts of Israel. Institutions of higher education participating in federal student aid programs are prohibited from taking commercial actions intended to limit relations with Israel or Israeli entities unless based on a valid business reason.
• Equal access certification for academic programs in Israel. Institutions receiving Title VI federal funding must annually certify that students and faculty can participate in academic programs located in Israel under the same terms and conditions as programs in other foreign countries.
• Reciprocal participation requirements for Israeli students and faculty. Title VI funding recipients must certify that students and faculty from Israeli postsecondary institutions are permitted to participate in the institution's academic programs in the same manner as those from other foreign countries.

The bill modifies requirements for institutions of higher education participating in federal student aid programs and adds new certification mandates for entities receiving or applying for Title VI federal funding for foreign language and international education programs.

The bill seeks to prevent institutions of higher education that receive federal student aid or international education funding from boycotting Israel or restricting commercial relations with Israeli entities without a valid business reason. It further intends to ensure that academic exchange programs involving Israeli students, faculty, and institutions are conducted under the same terms and conditions as programs involving other foreign countries.