Higher education administrators fear an unsure future, Minnesota educators sue ICE, and Trump’s effort to eliminate DEI pushes forward in court.
Higher Education
98 percent of senior higher education leaders report feeling uncertain about institutional planning.
Nearly all higher education leaders reported that federal policymaking makes them unsure of how to plan for the future of their institutions, according to the American Council on Education’s (ACE) most recent survey. Survey responses expressed concerns about the federal government threatening colleges’ autonomy and academic freedom, unpredictability surrounding research funding, and immigration and international engagement.
K-12
Minnesota educators sue in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on school grounds.
Two Minnesota school districts sued the Trump administration in response to its decision to revoke a policy prohibiting ICE and Border Patrol agents from making immigration arrests at schools and other “sensitive” locations, including churches and courthouses. The lawsuit details that the deployment of federal agents has harmed students’ attendance rates, made students and employers fear for their safety, and disrupted the schools’ ability to provide a safe learning environment, requiring them to use extra security measures.
DEI
Virginia Tech discontinues identity-based graduation ceremonies.
Virginia Tech banned identity-based graduation ceremonies in compliance with OCR guidance prohibiting using race or identity in programming. A university statement said that student organizations can still use their own funds to host events on campus and that it will “continue to seek ways to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our students that are consistent with current law and are open to all members of the university community.”
Legal Developments
The Trump administration claims a victory in its mission to eliminate DEI initiatives from education.
A federal appeals court allowed the government to proceed with executive orders banning all DEI-related programs in higher education, federal agencies, and government contractors. The decision was in response to multiple lawsuits alleging that banning DEI was constitutionally vague and threatened free speech. The ruling said the groups didn’t have standing to sue and remanded the case to the lower court.
How We Can Help
As education professionals stay informed of all federal updates and prepare for their impact, TIXC can help keep your schools compliant. For general up-to-date information and how it affects you and your institution, join us for TIXC Thursdays on the first Thursday of every month. For more information about our consulting services, including advising, hearing adjudication, and investigation, contact us at info@titleixconsult.com.