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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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

NOTE: Both parts of this episode were recorded before the administration rescinded the order.

The Trump administration’s sweeping pause on all federal grants set off a wave of confusion and concern across higher education. But just minutes before it was set to take effect, a federal judge blocked the order, putting the freeze on hold until at least next Monday. In this episode recorded Jan. 28, Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja provide important context on the rapidly evolving situation. Jon and Sarah are later joined by ACE President Ted Mitchell for a deeper conversation on what we know, what’s at stake, and what could come next for colleges, universities, and students nationwide. 

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

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

M-25-13 Temporary Pause to Review Agency Grant Loan and Other Financial Assistance Programs  Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025 

Instructions for Federal Financial Assistance Program Analysis in Support of M-25-13 Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025 

Office of Management and Budget Guidance Document on M-25-13 Office of Management and Budget | Jan. 27, 2025 

Trump’s Executive Orders Shift Higher Education Landscape American Council on Education | Jan. 27, 2025 

Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Federal Assistance Pause  American Council on Education | Jan. 28, 2025 

Higher Ed Alarmed by Trump’s Plan to Freeze Federal Grants Inside Higher Ed | Jan. 28, 2025 

Trump Spending Freeze Upends Washington, Triggering Legal Threats and Delays  The Washington Post (sub. req.) | Jan. 28, 2025 

The Federal Funding Pause Does Not Apply to Student Loans and Pell Grants  The New York Times (sub. req.) | Jan. 28, 2025 

States, Nonprofit Groups Pursue Lawsuits to Stop Grant Freeze Roll Call | Jan. 28, 2025 

National Council of Nonprofits, American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and Sage v. Office of Management and Budget   

Does Trump Have the Power to Block Spending That Congress Has Authorized?  The New York Times (sub. req.) | Jan. 28, 2025 

White House Tries to Clarify Trump Federal Spending Freeze as Confusion Spreads The Washington Post (sub. req.)  | Jan. 28, 2025 

Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump Administration Freeze on Federal Grants and Loans Associated Press | Jan. 28, 2025 

Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the early days of the Trump administration’s second term and its impact on higher education. With 28 executive orders already issued—many targeting DEI, immigration, and gender policies—the hosts analyze what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what’s likely to face legal challenges. Key topics include new executive actions on immigration that could affect international  and undocumented students, the administration’s sweeping approach to DEI restrictions, and the implications for federal grant programs. They also discuss how colleges and universities can respond strategically in an uncertain policy environment and what ACE is doing to advocate for higher education.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

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

President Trump’s Executive Orders Impacting Higher Education

Issue Brief: Immigration-Related Campus Concerns ACE | Jan. 16, 2025

Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole Department of Homeland Security | Jan. 21, 2025

White House Orders Government DEI Employees to Be Placed on Leave CNN | Jan. 22, 2025

Trump Executive Order Says Federal Government Only Recognizes “Two Sexes” CBS News | Jan. 21, 2025

President Biden Drops Unfinished Protections for Trans Athletes ABC News | Dec. 21, 2024

In this special episode of dotEDU Live, hosts Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer engage with the distinguished ACE Fellows, a prestigious group of faculty, staff, and administrators who are preparing for senior leadership roles in higher education.

Jon and Sarah kick off the discussion with an overview of the recent election results and the shifts in congressional leadership, highlighting key moments such as the election of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). 

The episode features an engaging Q&A segment where Jon and Sarah address audience questions about executive actions, regulatory changes, and practical advice for navigating the evolving political landscape.

Interested in applying for the next ACE Fellows cohort? Go here to learn more about the program.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

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

ACE Fellows Program  American Council on Education    Heavy Snow and Ice Shift From Midwest to Mid-Atlantic as Major Storm Treks Eastward  The Washington Post | Jan. 6, 2025    Johnson Re-elected as Speaker After Putting Down GOP Revolt  The New York Times | Jan. 3, 2025    Quick Action Planned for ‘Big, Beautiful’ Budget Bill  Roll Call | Jan. 5, 2025    Smith Floats University Endowment Tax Hike to GOP House Members  Bloomberg Tax | Jan. 4, 2025    College Cost Reduction Act: By the Numbers  American Council on Education    Republicans’ real immigration dilemma: How big to go in Congress  Semafor | Jan. 2, 2025    Trump Plans Major Reshaping of U.S. Policies Within Hours of Taking Office  Reuters | Dec. 11, 2024    Colleges Warn Foreign Students to Get to Campus Before Trump Takes Office  The New York Times | Dec.11, 2024    Trump Initiatives Might Be Foiled by the Right’s Defeat of Chevron  The Washington Post | Nov. 25, 2024    J.D. Vance Called Universities ‘The Enemy.’ Now He’s Trump’s VP Pick.  Inside Higher Ed | July 16, 2024

In this episode of dotEDU Live, Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer are joined by a full team of ACE experts—Steven Bloom, Peter McDonough, and Emmanual Guillory—to take a deeper look at what the post-election landscape looks like for higher education policy.  

This episode covers key developments, including Linda McMahon’s nomination as Secretary of Education, shifts in congressional leadership, and the Trump administration’s stance on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The discussion also explores upcoming regulatory challenges and what to expect during the administration’s first 100 days.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

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

Colleges Wonder if They Will Be ‘the Enemy’ Under Trump   The New York Times | Nov. 12, 2024  

Trump Initiatives Might be Foiled by the Right’s Defeat of Chevron   The Washington Post | Nov. 25, 2024 

The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty   Inside Higher Ed | July 2, 2024  

GOP Caught Between Immigration and Tax Cuts for Early 2025 Priorities   The Washington Post | Dec. 4, 2024  

Campuses Advise International Students to Return by Inauguration Day   Inside Higher Ed | Nov. 26, 2024  

Trump Says he Wants DACA Recipients to be Able to Stay in the U.S.   NBC News | Dec. 8, 2024  

DOJ v. DEI: Trump's Justice Department Likely to Target Diversity Programs   Reuters | Dec. 10, 2024  

Trump Likely to End Title IX Trans Protections   Inside Higher Ed | Nov. 15, 2024  

How Linda McMahon Might Approach the Dept. of Education   The New York Times | Nov. 20, 2024  

On Trump Tax Cuts, Energy and Immigration Plans, Clash Emerges Between House, Senate GOP Leaders   CNBC | Dec. 4, 2024  

House Republicans Aim to Pass Higher Ed Overhaul   Inside Higher Ed | Dec. 6, 2024  

College Cost Reduction Act: By the Numbers   American Council on Education  

Campus Safety Resources on Title IX  American Council on Education 

Will Submitting the FAFSA Put Undocumented Parents at Risk? This Group Thinks It Could  NASFAA 

In the third episode of our special series dotEDU Global Voices, hosts Sarah Spreitzer and Devorah Lieberman—ACE senior advisor and president emerita of the University of La Verne—welcome Silvia Giorguli, president of the Colegio de México (COLMEX), a hub of intellectual leadership in Latin America.

From her efforts to expand research areas and foster student mobility to her groundbreaking initiatives addressing gender equity and institutional change, Giorguli provides a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of her presidency.

Giorguli is one of 10 women featured in Devorah’s book, Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives, which highlights the experiences of women leaders from universities around the world. The book was developed as part of Devorah’s work with the IAUP Women’s Leadership Initiative.

This podcast series is produced in partnership with the ACE Women’s Network, which connects and supports women in higher education across the country, helping them develop leadership skills and advance in their careers. Learn more at www.acenet.edu/womensnetwork.

Be sure to visit the dotEDU webpage for our regular policy-focused episodes.

In the second episode of our special series dotEDU Global Voices, hosts Sarah Spreitzer and Devorah Lieberman—ACE senior advisor and president emerita of the University of La Verne—welcome Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), to discuss the importance of leadership, innovation, and building strong global connections in higher education.

Cunningham shares how she transitioned from a stage manager in the arts to a top association leader in higher education advancement by discovering and embracing her own leadership style—a journey that has bolstered her success and one she encourages other women leaders to undertake.

Cunningham is one of 10 women featured in Devorah’s book, Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives, which highlights the experiences of women leaders from universities around the world. The book was developed as part of Devorah’s work with the IAUP Women’s Leadership Initiative.

This podcast series is produced in partnership with the ACE Women's Network, which connects and supports women in higher education across the country, helping them develop leadership skills and advance in their careers. Learn more at www.acenet.edu/womensnetwork.

Be sure to visit the dotEDU webpage for our regular policy-focused episodes.

In this three-part special series, dotEDU Global Voices, hosts Sarah Spreitzer and Devorah Lieberman—senior advisor at ACE and president emerita of the University of La Verne—host three trailblazing women featured in Devorah’s book Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives. This insightful book highlights the journeys of ten women leaders from universities around the world, developed as part of her work with the IAUP Women’s Leadership Initiative.

In this episode, Gülsün Sağlamer, the first and only female rector in Istanbul Technical University’s 250-year history, shares how her leadership modernized the university—introducing English-language programs, revamping infrastructure, and cultivating alumni support. Gülsün also reflects on her innovative mentorship efforts, creating opportunities for the next generation of academic leaders.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how one woman reshaped higher education in Turkey. Subscribe now for future episodes featuring more extraordinary women leaders in higher education. 

This podcast series is in partnership with the ACE Women’s Network that connects and supports women in higher ed all across the country, helping them develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers.  

If you’re looking for a community that’s all about mentorship, growth, and supporting women, you can find more information at www.acenet.edu/womensnetwork  

Check out our regular dotEDU webpage for our regular policy-focused episodes. 

Links:  Gülsün Sağlamer

International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)

Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives

ACE Women’s Network

dotEDU Podcast