As colleges and universities face mounting federal scrutiny, dotEDU Live hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the latest developments from the Department of Education, the White House, and Congress. They discuss the Education Department’s revised FAQ on DEI policies, newly confirmed Secretary Linda McMahon’s plans for the department, and the Trump administration’s increasing use of federal funding to pressure institutions. The conversation also covers ongoing research funding disruptions, the potential for a government shutdown, and heightened federal investigations into campus protests.

Send suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation on X or Bluesky or email podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Dear Colleague Letter SFFA v. Harvard
U.S. Department of Education | Feb. 14, 2025

ACE, Higher Education Groups Urge Department of Education to Rescind DEI "Dear Colleague" Letter
ACE | March 3, 2025

U.S. Department of Education Releases Frequently Asked Questions on Dear Colleague Letter About Racial Preferencing
U.S. Department of Education | March 1, 2025

Secretary McMahon: Our Department's Final Mission
U.S. Department of Education | March 3, 2025

Linda McMahon Confirmed as Education Secretary
Inside Higher Ed | March 3, 2025

Education Dept. Workers Offered Buyouts Ahead of ‘Very Significant’ Layoffs
The New York Times | Feb. 28, 2025

Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative
The White House | Feb. 26, 2025

Trump Threatens to Pull Federal Funds for U.S. Schools Allowing ‘Illegal Protests”
The Guardian | March 4, 2025

ED, HHS, and GSA Announce Additional Measures to End Anti-Semitic Harassment on College Campuses
U.S. Department of Education | March 3, 2025

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued a sweeping directive declaring that race-conscious student programs, financial aid, and support services violate federal civil rights law—giving colleges just 14 days to comply. ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the implications for campuses.
The episode also covers recent developments, including funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health and Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education.

Note: For examples of grants that have been stopped, please send stories and concerns to ACE Government Relations.

Send suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation on X or Bluesky or email podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

U.S. Department of Education Directs Schools to End Racial Preferences
U.S. Department of Education | Feb. 18, 2025

Senate Questions McMahon on the Future of the Education Department, DEI, and Student Aid in Confirmation Hearing
ACE | Feb. 14, 2025

Trump Taps Biden Critic Nicholas Kent as Under Secretary
Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 11, 2025

Higher Education Association Lawsuit Challenges NIH Action on F&A Reimbursement
ACE | Feb. 10, 2025

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs Explainer
Association of American Universities | YouTube

After Sweeping Anti-DEI Guidance, What Should Colleges Do?
Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 18, 2025

Post-SFFA v. Harvard & UNC Decision Resources: Admissions and Beyond
ACE | Dec. 10, 2024

Higher Education Leaders Gather in Washington for ACEx2025
ACE | Feb. 14, 2025

In this all-Q&A episode of dotEDU Live, hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the latest policy shifts, legal battles, and administrative chaos facing colleges and universities in the Trump administration’s first weeks. From the fallout of the now-blocked federal spending freeze to the uncertain future of DEI funding and research grants, they answer audience questions on how agencies are interpreting new executive orders, the impact on funding, and whether the administration can really dismantle the Department of Education.

Send suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Higher Education & The Trump Transition
American Council on Education

Trump Planning EO Directing Education Department to ‘Diminish Itself,’ Reports Say
Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 3, 2025

Republicans Praise Trump Plans To Dismantle Department of Education, but Others See a Contradiction
The Boston Globe (sub. req.) | Feb. 5, 2025

Higher Ed Fights Back Against Trump’s DEI Order
Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 5, 2025

Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism
White House Executive Order |Jan. 29, 2025

U.S. Department of Education Probes Cases of Antisemitism at Five Universities
Department of Education | Feb. 3, 2025

HHS’ Civil Rights Office Acts Swiftly to Combat Anti-Semitism
Department of Health and Human Services | Feb. 3, 2025

Justice Department Announces Formation of Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism
Department of Justice | Feb. 3, 2025

Trump Orders Disrupt Academic Research
Inside Higher Ed | Feb. 3, 2025