This week’s headlines reveal a rapidly shifting policy landscape for higher ed. From proposed student aid cuts to court rulings on DEI, leaders must adapt quickly to protect access, inclusion, and innovation.

✅ What Higher Ed Leaders Should Do This Week

• Audit financial aid messaging in light of proposed policy shifts
• Reinforce inclusive policies even amid legal uncertainty
• Equip legal and advising teams to support international students
• Develop new strategies to assess outcomes without NAEP data

🎓 Legislative Overhaul: Big Shifts In Student Aid & Accreditation

House Republicans have introduced a comprehensive bill aiming to reform federal student aid and accreditation processes.

Student Aid Overhaul: The bill proposes eliminating subsidized undergraduate loans, capping graduate and Parent PLUS loans, and consolidating repayment into one standard and one income-driven plan. Pell Grant eligibility would be limited to students enrolled in at least six credit hours, potentially reducing awards for some by $1,479. Full summary →

Accreditation Reforms: The legislation also seeks to increase competition among accreditors, encourage innovation, and require institutions to improve student outcomes—without considering race, ethnicity, or sex.

🏛️ Executive Order Targets Accreditation & DEI

The White House has issued an executive order criticizing accreditors for supporting low-quality programs and DEI standards it deems discriminatory. The order encourages new accrediting bodies and experimentation with alternative career pathways. Read more →

It prohibits accreditors from using race, ethnicity, or sex in outcome evaluations and emphasizes “intellectual diversity” and measurable outcomes.

⚖️ Court Halts Title IX DEI Restrictions

A federal court has temporarily blocked the Department of Education’s Title IX guidance that defined sex in binary terms. The ruling cites concerns over vagueness and First Amendment violations. Legal update →

The injunction pauses enforcement in several states. Institutions are advised to continue inclusive practices while litigation unfolds.

🌍 Visa Policy Reversals & Legal Challenges

Thousands of international students had their SEVIS records removed over minor infractions. After legal challenges, the government reversed these terminations and agreed to create clearer guidelines. Case summary →

Universities are urged to offer legal assistance and transparent communication to affected students.

📉 NAEP Budget Cuts & Testing Reductions

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) board has canceled multiple future assessments, including the 2029 Long-Term Trend test, as part of federal cost-cutting. Details →

This may limit the ability to measure academic trends and influence future education policy decisions.