Policy Watch

News by Topic

Education Policy Updates

U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Announce Title IX Special Investigations Team
U.S. Department of Education Opens Revised Income-Driven Repayment Plan and Loan Consolidation Applications for Borrowers.
AACN signed on to a response to a Request for Information for the Trump Administration's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan relating to the use of AI across the higher education landscape.
U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into 45 universities following the February 14 Dear Colleague Letter that reiterated schools’ civil rights obligations to end the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.
U.S. Department of Education Issues More Details About DEI Guidance, including a New FAQs.
Linda McMahon was confirmed as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

Research & Funding

Student Loan & Financial Aid Changes

The Small Business Administration, the agency newly responsible for overseeing student loans, announced a 43% reduction in force.
HHS has published a list of grants terminated since January 2025, including information of recipient institutions, projects funded, and award totals.
An Executive Order creates new eligibility limitations for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Legislative Developments

Congress passed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, funding the government through the end of FY2025 and avoiding a government shutdown.
House Republicans released a proposed continuing resolution to fund the government through September 30.

Executive Changes

Senate confirms Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
President Trump to nominate Dr. Susan Monarez to be CDC Director.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer was sworn in as the US Secretary of Labor.

Workforce Support

The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is accepting applications through April 17. The program provides funds to Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses working in an eligible public or private critical shortage facility, or nurse faculty at an eligible school of nursing.
The 2025 Nurse Corps Scholarship application cycle is now open through April 24.