Velázquez and Malliotakis Introduce Federal Version of Mel’s Law

WASHINGTON- Today, Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) reintroduced a federal version of New York's Mel's Law. The bipartisan bill would require colleges and universities receiving federal funding to establish a policy to award posthumous degrees to students who pass away before completing their required coursework.

In New York, Mel's Law was introduced by Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest and Senator Jabari Brisport and signed into law in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul. The law requires the SUNY and CUNY boards of trustees to establish a policy for the awarding of posthumous degrees. The passage of the bill followed years of advocacy from Michelle Barnes-Anderson, whose son Melquain Jatelle Anderson was murdered in 2017 while a student at John Jay College, and her siblings Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes and Khadedra Miller.

The federal version of Mel's Law would provide solace for grieving families and help cement the legacy of thousands of students who pass away annually before completing their degrees.

"In New York, Mel's Law is honoring the legacy of students whose lives are tragically cut short and providing comfort to grieving families during dark times. Now it is time to extend this policy across the country; it is the least the federal government can do for families that have suffered so much," said Congresswoman Velázquez. I thank Michelle Barnes-Anderson, Assemblymember Souffrant Forrest, Senator Brisport, and Assemblymember Simon for all their work to make Mel's Law a reality in our state, and I look forward to working with Congresswoman Malliotakis to get this passed at the federal level."

"I am proud to join Rep. Nydia Velázquez in reintroducing Mel's Law, bipartisan legislation that authorizes college degrees to be awarded posthumously to students who pass away before completing their required coursework," Congresswoman Malliotakis said. "If enacted, it will honor the memory of these students and ensure their academic contributions are acknowledged nationwide."

"It is horrific that our children are being snatched away younger and younger unable to finish out their dreams and education. It is imperative that we ensure their legacy lives on by passing legislation to waive credit requirements so their Posthumous Degree can be obtained. A death certificate should not be the last certificate a parent receives."- Michelle Barnes Anderson, CEO of the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation

"Mel's Law represents the resilience of families who, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, continue to fight for dignity and justice. It was my honor to guide this legislation to passage in New York along with my colleagues and to honor the memory of students like Melquain Jatelle Anderson by ensuring that their academic journeys are not forgotten. By introducing Mel's Law at the federal level, Congresswomen Velázquez and Malliotakis are taking an important step toward giving families across the country the recognition and closure they deserve. Together, we are turning grief into action, and I will stand strong with them in their efforts to pass this legislation at the federal level."- New York State Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest

"Across the country, when students pass away before graduating, most schools have no mechanism to recognize their academic efforts and accomplishments posthumously. This is profoundly distressing for families, as they not only grieve the loss of a loved one but struggle with a lack of closure. I'm grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez for reintroducing this legislation on the federal level and I want to thank Assemblymember Souffrant-Forrest and Senator Brisport for leading its passage in New York State," said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

In addition to Velázquez and Malliotakis, the bill was sponsored by Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Monica McIver (D-NJ), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).

For a full copy of the bill, click here.

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