Trump’s Exec Order Hits Hard... Is This a New Normal?

Published 5 months ago • 1 min read

Hi there Reader,

The past two few weeks have ushered in significant changes for higher education institutions, with federal actions impacting operations, international students, and diversity initiatives.

Here's a high-level overview of.

Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education... To Continue?

The Trump administration continues to make substantial cuts within the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to reduce its workforce by nearly half.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that these measures are intended to "shake up" the system and decrease bureaucracy.

However, concerns arise regarding potential disruptions in student aid processing and civil rights enforcement.

🔎 The takeaway?

Institutions should prepare for possible delays and reassess their reliance on federal support services.

📢 Read More

Expansion of Student Visa Revocations

Immigration authorities have broadened the scope of student visa terminations, affecting numerous international students across various institutions.

Reasons range from political activism to minor infractions, leading to uncertainty among international student communities.

Universities must enhance support systems for international students and stay updated on evolving immigration policies.

📢 Full Article

Federal Scrutiny Over DEI Initiatives

The Department of Education has launched investigations into over 50 colleges concerning their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

This action is part of a broader effort to reshape higher education policies, prompting institutions to reassess their DEI commitments amidst potential federal penalties.

Colleges should review and document the objectives and outcomes of their DEI initiatives to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

📢 Read the Full Report

Closing Thoughts:

Higher education is at a pivotal moment.

Federal policy changes are reshaping the landscape, affecting operations, student demographics, and institutional priorities.

Proactive engagement and strategic planning are essential for institutions aiming to navigate these challenges successfully.

🚀 Let's discuss how your institution can adapt to these developments.

-Mike O’Connor

O'Connor & Associates

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