This Week’s Brief

This week’s headlines focus on legal and legislative moves reshaping compliance, funding, and student access. From new Title IX guidance and HSI lawsuits to shifts in accreditation and federal aid, we highlight what matters now—and what action campus leaders should consider.

Civil Rights Changes Coming Fast

The Department of Education issued new Title IX guidance impacting protections for transgender students without public input. Public universities, such as the University of California system, are under civil rights investigations. An athletics-specific rule was also released unilaterally.

Why It Matters: This has immediate legal and compliance implications. Campus leadership should review policies urgently, especially with July 15 enforcement looming.

Action: Audit and update Title IX and athletics policies; involve legal counsel and DEI teams.

Lawsuit Targets HSI Funding

A federal lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the 25% Hispanic enrollment threshold required for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation.

Why It Matters: Institutions that rely on Title V funding could face financial disruption if eligibility rules change.

Action: Strategically plan diversified funding streams; monitor litigation outcomes closely.

Senate Bill Could Shrink State Ed Budgets

A massive federal spending bill includes Medicaid provider cuts that could cascade into reduced state higher ed funding and student health access.

Why It Matters: This could result in budget tightening, impacting student services and staffing.

Action: Budget officers and presidents should model potential impacts; engage with state policy coalitions now.

Accreditation Reform Finds Bipartisan Support

ACTA and Third Way propose reforms to reduce political influence and improve quality assurance in accreditation.

Why It Matters: Accreditation policy changes could alter compliance, innovation approvals, and institutional autonomy.

Action: Presidents and provosts should weigh in early on reform discussions and position their institutions as proactive partners.

Senate vs. House Budget Visions Clash

Competing federal budget proposals diverge sharply on Pell Grants, graduate loans, and risk-sharing measures.

Why It Matters: Federal financial aid policies are central to student access and institutional stability.

Action: Leadership teams should coordinate federal advocacy through associations like ACE or AACC.

Honorable Mention: Math Is Killing STEM Transfer

Impacts transfer student success and aligns with student equity and completion goals. While more operational, this item informs curriculum redesign and student support investment decisions. Read more.

Published: June 23, 2025