Federal Friday Holiday Update
- Department of Education: U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Statement on the Office of Legal Counsel’s Opinion on the Constitutionality of Race-Based Higher Education Grant Programs
- Department of Justice: Constitutionality of Race-Based Department of Education Programs
- Select Committee on the CCP: Investigation Reveals Energy Department Collaborated with China’s Military on Research
- USCIS: Making America Safe Again: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services End-of-Year Review Demonstrates Impact of Rigorous Immigration Crackdown
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Announces Review of Brown University for Potential Clery Act Violations
- Department of Justice: The Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Virginia Laws Providing In-State Tuition and Financial Assistance for Illegal Aliens
- Select Committee on the CCP: Transfer Portal News: China’s Money
State of the Union
On January 7th, Speaker Johnson officially invited President Trump to deliver the State of the Union address on February 24, 2026. Assuming President Trump accepts the invitation, the remarks will be aired live on C-Span.
Political Activity Guidance Reminder
As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.
Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.
In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.
For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.
Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.