DOL proposes amendments to Section 503 affirmative action rules

Colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance (see 29 U.S.C. 794). But in addition to federal funding, postsecondary education institutions that have contracts with the federal government must comply with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 793). Sections 504 and 503 contain many similarities, but there are some distinct differences. Additionally, the Department of Labor now seeks to amend its Section 503 regulations, all of which should be important to institutions that have federal contracts.