HB 261 Research and Grants Guidance
HB 261 prohibits an institution of higher education from engaging in certain prohibited discriminatory practices. (Click here for more information about USU’s compliance with HB 261)
HB 261 does not apply to:
- Academic research
- Federal programs (including federally funded grants)
- Non-federal grants for non-research activities if reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees
Academic Research
HB 261 does not apply to research, whether funded or unfunded, and regardless of funding source. Research is defined in USU Policy 4102: Research, and includes any activity that is required to be reviewed by a research review panel or committee (including IRB, IACUC, GRCO, URCO, or similar department-level review committees).
Federal Programs
HB 261 does not apply to requirements necessary to establish or maintain eligibility for federal programs, including federal grants.
Grants
For purposes of HB 261, “grant” only refers to non-federal funding (including grants and contracts) for non-research activity.
If a non-federally-funded, non-research grant or contract would not require USU or a unit of USU to violate HB 261, HB 261 does not apply. If a non-federally funded, non-research grant or contract would require USU or a unit of USU to violate HB 261, it may still be exempt from HB 261 if the USU Board of Trustees reviews and approves the grant. Board approval should be requested if and when a grant is awarded.
Additional guidance regarding the process for identifying grants requiring approval and submitting grants to the Board of Trustees for review is forthcoming.