Policy & Advocacy
SPARC advocates for policies at the local, national, and international level that promote openness in research and education. Listed below are SPARC's active policy priorities. Click here to see previous policies SPARC has advocated for.
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Stopping the Cengage/McGraw-Hill Merger
After intense opposition from stakeholder groups and a year of regulatory review, the Cengage/McGraw-Hill has been called off. The merger would have remade the textbook market as a duopoly, and its termination prevents significant harm to students.
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Oppose Section 552 That Will Block Taxpayer Access to Research
Open AccessThe U.S. House of Representatives released an appropriations bill containing language that would block implementation of the 2022 updated OSTP policy guidance (the Nelson Memo) that would ensure immediate, free access to taxpayer-funded research.
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Environmental Protection Agency Rule on ‘Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science’
Open Access · Open DataEPA seeking public comments on a controversial new proposed rule on 'Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science'
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OSTP Requests for Information on Federal Scientific Integrity Policies
Open AccessSPARC responded to requests from the White Office of Science & Technology Policy for public input to improve federal scientific integrity policies.
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Restoring Net Neutrality
Open Access · Open Data · Open EducationThe Congressional Review Act gives Congress the power to reinstate the Open Internet Order and ensure net neutrality essential for Open Access, Open Data, and Open Education.
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The “Pro Codes” Act
SPARC opposes the "Pro Codes" Act that seeks to to undermine the public's ability to print, copy, or download codes and standards.
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Executive Directive on Public Access
Open Access · Open DataOn February 22, 2013, the White House issued an executive directive ensuring public access to both articles and data resulting from public funds.
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Past SPARC Policy Priorities
Open Access · Open Data · Open EducationThis page lists previous SPARC policy priorities that have already passed or are no longer active.
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Request for Information on the Department of Education’s Learning Agenda
Open EducationThe Department of Education seeks public input to help identify priority questions to guide the Department's evidence-building activities.
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U.S. National Cancer Moonshot Initiative
Open Access · Open DataFormer Vice-President Joe Biden is leading a newly established National Cancer Moonshot Initiative to accelerate cancer research.
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