Policy Watch: AACN Statement on Education Department Changes and Key Federal Updates Tuesday, March 25, 2025 AACN Statement on the Executive Order to Close the Department of Education On March 20, the President signed an Executive Order titled Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities. This order states that the Secretary of Education “shall, to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.” As the voice of academic nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is deeply concerned by this Executive Order, especially given how critical higher education is to preparing nursing students to provide high-quality, patient-centered care for all citizens. Read AACN's Full Statement Here Federal Policy Updates: The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program application is currently open. The program provides funds to nurses working in an eligible critical shortage facility or nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing. President Trump to nominate Dr. Susan Monarez to be CDC Director. HHS has published a list of grants terminated since January 2025, including information of recipient institutions, projects funded, and award totals. The Small Business Administration, the agency newly responsible for overseeing student loans, announced a 43% reduction in force. View all updates from Policy Watch Categories: Education, Policy & Advocacy