Federal Policy: Page

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    Deep Dive

    State lawmakers eye accreditation policy changes as new agency forms

    Recent laws and proposals could make it easier for public colleges to leave their accreditors for the nascent Commission for Public Higher Education. 

    By Danielle McLean • April 30, 2026
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    Stanford faces Education Department probe over racial discrimination allegations

    The investigation centers on a program that aimed to professionally and financially support K-12 teachers seeking certification.

    By • April 29, 2026
  • Linda McMahon speaks into a microphone.
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    Retrieved from Senate Appropriations Committee on April 28, 2026
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    3 insights from McMahon’s testimony on the Education Department’s budget proposal

    Lawmakers grilled U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on the agency’s dismantling, its handling of civil rights cases and the future of TRIO. 

    By • April 28, 2026
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    Court blocks Education Department’s data demands for over 170 more colleges

    The ruling expands an earlier pause on the agency’s collection of extensive race and sex admissions data for public colleges in 17 states.

    By • April 27, 2026
  • Donald Trump speaks while signing an executive order at his desk.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    Higher education groups challenge Trump’s latest anti-DEI order

    A coalition of organizations is suing over a directive that threatens to strip federal contracts from colleges over their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 

    By • April 22, 2026
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    Carlos Barquero Perez via Getty Images
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    Colleges get another year to comply with web accessibility deadlines

    Reactions were mixed to the U.S. Department of Justice's extension for digitally accessible content managed by state and local government entities.

    By Kara Arundel • April 22, 2026
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    University of Arizona off the hook for $72M in discharged Ashford loans

    The U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration decided against seeking to potentially recoup millions from the public flagship.

    By • April 20, 2026
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    Retrieved from U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions.
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    Education Department rescinds Title IX pacts protecting LGBTQ+ students

    The resolution agreements, which the agency called "illegal," were reached under previous Democratic administrations.

    By Naaz Modan • April 8, 2026