March 4, 2025

In order to provide the most timely updates, ACCT will now publish the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) updates twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents, and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the LAW network. To join, simply register here. 

Leading the News this Week

Last night, in a 51 to 45 vote, the Senate voted to confirm Linda McMahon as the United States' 13th Secretary of Education. To learn more about her work in relation to our community college priorities, check out our latest Now article.

Linda McMahon sworn in by Jacqueline Clay

Latest News in Higher Education

The Education Department Released a FAQ on Dear Colleague Letter

On February 28, 2025, the Department of Education (ED) released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) in relation to the Dear Colleague Letter the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued on February 14th declaring that based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Supreme Court ruling of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard any institution of education partaking in DEI are subject to having their federal funding removed. While this letter does not have the force of law, it gave institutions until Friday February 28, 2025 to fall into compliance. This FAQ has fifteen items, the fourteenth discusses how OCR plans to proceed should it deem an institution out of compliance while also providing the 2025 Case Processing Manual. Institutions found to not be compliant, are to sign a voluntary negotiated written resolution agreement with OCR that details the institution's specific remedial actions. OCR is then to monitor the implementation. Institutions that are unwilling to negotiate a resolution agreement may be subject to judicial proceedings from the Department of Justice.

Meanwhile, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association sued the Department of Education arguing that the letter is unlawful. In addition, groups representing institutions of higher education, including ACCT, are asking the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Craig Trainor, to rescind the letter.

President Trump Takes Down Online Application Form for Student Loan Repayment Plans

The Trump administration has removed from its websites online applications for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and the option for online loan consolidation. IDR plans "cap what borrowers must pay each month at a percent of their earnings." This leaves uncertainty as to how borrowers currently participating in IDR plans will be able to submit their annual paperwork to certify their incomes. This removal took place after a federal appeals court decision continued the pause on the former Biden administration's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) program, an income-driven plan for loan forgiveness that would have forgiven debts after as few as 10 years of payments.

The Government Funding Deadline Quickly Approaches

With the funding deadline of March 14th, neither Committee on Appropriations in either chamber of Congress has a finalized draft of FY 2025 funding legislation. The consequence of not meeting this deadline is a government shut down. While the the House and Senate have the option of passing a continuing resolution to fund the government using FY 2024 funding levels, it is unclear if the Republican led Congress will have support from the Democrats.

Grant Opportunities

Please review the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education's Community College webpage for new grants community colleges are eligible for.

Head Start/Early Head Start

The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a notice of a competitive grant opportunity to provide funds for Head Start and/or Early Head Start services to eligible children and families. Eligible states are Colorado, Delaware, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. Click here for additional information. The closing date for application is April 29, 2025 11:59 PM EST.

March 14 1:00PM EST - LAW Live Webinar

April 4 1:00PM EST - LAW Live Webinar

April 29 11:59PM EST - Head Start/Early Head Start Grant Application Closes

May 2 1:00PM EST - LAW Live Webinar

June 6 1:00PM EST - LAW Live Webinar

Outreach Efforts

Is your institution meeting or hosting an event with federal elected officials?

We created a Congressional Contact Form that will help us track outreach efforts of community college leaders across our membership. By filling out the form, you are better informing ACCT's advocacy efforts and our advocacy team is able to continue those conversations with congressional staff in DC. 

ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW:

Have a Question?

Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges.

If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For more information about ACCT's advocacy services, visit acct.org/advocacy

Spread the Word.

Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) Alert network. To join, simply register here. 

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