Full Breakdown
Trump Administration Shifts from Campus Investigations to Nationwide Higher-Education Rulemaking
6/5/2026, 12:06:55 AM
Overhauling Higher-Education Policy: From Campus Probes to Nationwide Rulemaking
After a year of targeted investigations that threatened federal aid at dozens of universities, the Education Department unveiled a package of proposed regulations that would apply to roughly 6,000 U.S. colleges and universities. The plan revises accreditation standards to require “intellectual diversity,” expands OMB authority to bar grant use for DEI or “anti-American” programs, and adds a GSA certification rule for grant recipients.
Background
In 2025 the White House launched a “blitz” of investigations, cutting or threatening funding unless schools aligned with the administration’s agenda. Federal courts blocked cuts at Harvard and UCLA, and many civil-rights lawyers left the Education Department, curbing oversight.
Key Players
Nicholas Kent, Education Department undersecretary, leads the rulemaking. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, speaks for college presidents. Catherine Lhamon, former civil-rights chief, now at UC Berkeley. Todd Wolfson, AAUP president, leads faculty opposition. The Justice Department continues lawsuits against Harvard, UCLA and others.
Proposed Rules and Numbers
The package contains at least 11 new Education Department rules. Last year over 70 investigations were announced; this year about a dozen. The OMB rule would apply to all federal grants, potentially affecting billions in research and aid.
Implications
Embedding policy in regulations lets the administration shape campus climate, DEI programs, and admissions without congressional approval, reshaping accreditation and funding criteria.
Official Statements
Nicholas Kent said the effort is a “course correction” for higher education, likening it to a “scalpel” that removes problems and noting colleges now understand the new priorities. Ted Mitchell called the rulemaking a set of clear “rules and referees,” opening space for dialogue. Catherine Lhamon labeled the prior investigation surge “performance art” with limited effect and said the administration is now pulling back. Todd Wolfson warned of a chilling effect on teaching but said the sector is regaining leverage.
Opposition
Faculty groups, led by the AAUP, argue the rules threaten academic freedom and could punish schools that maintain DEI offices.
Conflicting Reports
AP analysis cites over 70 investigations last year; current releases mention about a dozen, and the database is outdated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” — Nicholas Kent, Undersecretary, U.S. Department of Education
- “We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” — Ted Mitchell, President, American Council on Education
- “The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” — Todd Wolfson, President, American Association of University Professors
Next Steps
The Education Department will move the proposals through the rulemaking process, solicit public comments, and expect legal challenges from universities.
