The latest episode of dotEDU Live unpacks the sweeping layoffs at the Department of Education and their implications for colleges and universities. Hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja are joined by ACE President Ted Mitchell to break down the budget battle in Congress, the department’s restructuring, and the ripple effects on financial aid, student services, and institutional oversight. 

The discussion also covers the Trump administration’s ongoing investigations into higher education institutions, including Title VI enforcement actions and DEI-related scrutiny, as well as the shifting landscape for federal grant funding.  

Send suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation on X or Bluesky or email [email protected]. Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Education Department Cuts Half Its Staff as Trump Vows to Wind the Agency Down The Associated Press | March 11, 2025

Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Significant Layoffs at the Department of Education ACE | March 11, 2025 

U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Sends Letters to 60 Universities Under Investigation for Antisemitic Discrimination and Harassment Department of Education | March 10, 2025 

Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell Opposing the Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Grants and Contracts to Columbia University ACE | March 10, 2025 

Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness White House | March 7, 2025 

Office for Civil Rights Initiates Title VI Investigations into Institutions of Higher Education Department of Education | March 14, 2025 

OPINION: Here’s Why We Cannot Permit America’s Partnership with Higher Education to Weaken or Dissolve By ACE President Ted Mitchell The Hechinger Report | March 18, 2025

Trump Demands Major Changes in Columbia Discipline and Admissions Rules The New York Times (sub. req.) | March 13, 2025 

Susan Collins Announces Reinstatement of University of Maine System’s Paused USDA Funding Maine Public | March 12, 2025