Prohibits institution of higher education from using cultural competency as criteria for consideration in making certain personnel determinations.

This New Jersey bill (A 1626) prohibits public and private colleges and universities from using a candidate's cultural competency skills or knowledge of specific ethnic/religious groups as factors in hiring or promotion decisions. It exempts roles where such expertise is essential, as determined by the state's Higher Education Secretary. Institutions found non-compliant lose eligibility for state funding covering operational and capital costs. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.