The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued a sweeping directive declaring that race-conscious student programs, financial aid, and support services violate federal civil rights law—giving colleges just 14 days to comply. ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the implications for campuses. The episode also covers recent developments, including funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health and Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education. 

Note: For examples of grants that have been stopped, please send stories and concerns to ACE Government Relations. 

Send suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation on X or Bluesky or email podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

U.S. Department of Education Directs Schools to End Racial Preferences  U.S. Department of Education | Feb. 18, 2025 

Senate Questions McMahon on the Future of the Education Department, DEI, and Student Aid in Confirmation Hearing  ACE | Feb. 14, 2025 

Trump Taps Biden Critic Nicholas Kent as Under Secretary  Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 11, 2025 

Higher Education Association Lawsuit Challenges NIH Action on F&A Reimbursement  ACE | Feb. 10, 2025

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs Explainer Association of American Universities | YouTube 

After Sweeping Anti-DEI Guidance, What Should Colleges Do?  Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 18, 2025 

Post-SFFA v. Harvard & UNC Decision Resources: Admissions and Beyond ACE | Dec. 10, 2024 

Higher Education Leaders Gather in Washington for ACEx2025  ACE | Feb. 14, 2025