SVA Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Expand Readmission Protections for students in the National Guard and Reserve

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 23, 2023) – Student Veterans of America (SVA) welcomes the introduction of the SERVE Act, which would expand institutional readmission protections for National Guard and Reserve students mobilized during their studies. Improving National Guard and Reserve members’ federal protections when they are activated during their studies is one of SVA’s top priorities in this legislative session.

The SERVE Act was conceived by VFW-SVA Fellow Harry Phillips of Tulane University and is the product of his work during and after the fellowship. Since starting the Fellowship, Harry has graduated from Tulane University Law School and will join the Houston office of Haynes and Boone, LLP in Fall 2023. 

“When mobilized, student service members face unique challenges in continuing their studies. Problematically, current law only guarantees service members readmission to their institutions if they serve more than 30 consecutive days on active duty. That simply doesn’t match the reality of today’s National Guard and Reserve mobilizations…The SERVE Act would solve this by expanding readmission protections to service members mobilized for fewer than 30 days whether under state or federal authority.”

Justin Hauschild, Policy Counsel

The SERVE Act would: 

• Expand institutional readmission protections to service members mobilized for fewer than 30 days. 
• Ensure members of the National Guard and Reserve can invoke these protections for various mobilization types, including state and federal activations. 

SVA’s Official Statement: 

“National Guard and Reserve units are responding to an expanding number and new array of missions, from natural disasters to border security to civil unrest. When mobilized, student service members face unique challenges in continuing their studies. Problematically, current law only guarantees service members readmission to their institutions if they serve more than 30 consecutive days on active duty. That simply doesn’t match the reality of today’s National Guard and Reserve mobilizations,” said Justin Hauschild, Policy Counsel with Student Veterans of America. “The SERVE Act would solve this by expanding readmission protections to service members mobilized for fewer than 30 days whether under state or federal authority. We thank Representatives Ezell and Cartwright as well as Senators Hyde-Smith and Hassan for leading on this issue by introducing this critical legislation to update readmission protections for today’s student service members.” 

Learn more about SVA’s government affairs work at https://studentveterans.org/government-affairs.  

About Student Veterans of America
With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America® (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday’s warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org.