Federal Updates

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman created the Federal Updates Working Group to facilitate timely communication and provide rapid response support and guidance for all our universities with the new administration’s fast-moving federal policy agenda.

The Federal Updates Working Group consists of UW team members who will review matters ranging from anticipated and proposed federal legislative actions, regulatory changes, and Presidential executive orders. The working group includes liaisons from each of the UW universities to coordinate outreach and action with their university.

The Universities of Wisconsin are actively reviewing all the issues and will provide updates when additional information or clarity of the issues is provided. 

FAQs

What actions have been taken on Anti-Semitism?

Answer: President Trump issued an executive order that builds on previous federal initiatives to ensure protection against antisemitic harassment and discrimination in schools and on college campuses. This order directs the heads of executive departments or agencies to submit a report to the President identifying all civil and criminal authorities or actions that might be used to curb or combat anti-Semitism. This order also requires an inventory and analysis of all pending administrative complaints involving institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism. The Universities of Wisconsin are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates.

Have changes been made to student loan repayment plans?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, “A federal court issued an injunction preventing the U.S. Department of Education from implementing the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and parts of other income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. As a result, the IDR and online loan consolidation applications are temporarily unavailable. Borrowers can still submit a paper loan consolidation application.” Read additional updates on SAVE Plan court actions and instructions for submitting a loan consolidation PDF application.

What are the impacts of the Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness Executive Order, ?

 This Executive Order relating to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, criticizes the previous administration’s implementation of the PSLF program, arguing that it misdirected taxpayer funds toward organizations involved in activities detrimental to national security and public interests. The EO pronounces the Trump Administration’s intention to redefine eligibility for the PSLF program, specifically excluding from coverage individuals employed by organizations “whose activities have a “substantial illegal purpose,” including those engaged in the following activities: support for terrorism; child abuse (including the chemical and surgical castration or mutilation of children or the trafficking of children to so-called transgender sanctuaries; aiding and abetting illegal discrimination, violating federal immigration laws; and state law violations (e.g. trespassing, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, vandalism, and obstruction of highways). 

There are no immediate impacts. The order directs the Secretary of the Department of Education (DOE), in cooperation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to engage in negotiated rulemaking to effectuate changes to the PSLF program. The impacts of the new rules cannot be fairly gauged until we have a better understanding of where DOE intends to take this. We will monitor further information and developments coming out of the DOE.

What does it mean for students who already completed, or plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form with the change made by the Department of Education to modify the question about “gender” on the 2024-25 and 2025–26 FAFSA form?

Students who previously submitted their 2024-25 or 2025-26 FAFSA with either the response option “nonbinary” or “prefer not to answer” will not be required to update their response. However, if a student initiates a FAFSA correction to any question, they will be prompted and required to provide a response of either “male” or “female” to the revised question. The applicant’s response is solely used for statistical and research purposes by DOE. The applicant’s response does not impact their eligibility for federal student aid.

If a school initiates a correction (such as for verification, professional judgment, etc.) they will not be prompted or required to select a response to the question regarding the applicant’s sex, as schools do not see the responses for this question, and it is not present on the applicant’s ISIR. Because of this, DOE’s revision to the FAFSA does not require a change to the ISIR record layout.

If a student completes a paper FAFSA with the old version of the question text and response options, it will still be processed. It is unclear at this time how the FAFSA Processing System will handle a selection of “nonbinary” or “prefer not to answer.” The record will not be rejected, and the applicant will not need to complete a revised version of the paper FAFSA.

Source: National Association of State Financial Aid Administrators article, How ED’s Revised Options for Gender on the FAFSA Will Impact the Correction Process:

Additional information: Department of Education New Release on FAFSA Form Improvements

How have recent federal updates affected gender identity?

One executive order has been issued by President Trump that is specific to Title IX: Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports. Through this order, all public schools and colleges are to designate athletic facilities, restrooms, and athletic team participation by biological sex, among other requirements. The Universities of Wisconsin will continue to monitor Title IX updates and encourages staff and faculty to consult with their university’s Title IX and Athletics Divisions, along with the Universities of Wisconsin’s Title IX Officer in the Office of Compliance and Integrity.

What types of federal actions are there?

There are three kinds of presidential actions, Memorandums, Executive Orders and Proclamations.

Executive Orders

What can an executive order do?

Executive orders manage and direct operations of the executive branch of government (e.g., instructions to federal agencies, request for reports from federal agencies). 

What is beyond the authority of an executive order?

Executive orders do not override existing laws. If an executive order exceeds this authority, it may be challenged in the courts. 

Information by Topic

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Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism Updated Jan. 30, 2025

The Executive Order builds on previous federal initiatives to ensure protection against antisemitic harassment and discrimination in schools and on college campuses. It directs federal agencies to enhance efforts in prosecuting and holding accountable those who perpetrate such acts. It directs the head of each department or agency, within 60 days, to identify authorities or actions that might be used to combat antisemitism.

It also directs the U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of Education, and Secretary of Homeland Security, within 60 days, to provide a report and recommendations to familiarize institutions of higher education with the grounds for inadmissibility into the U.S.

Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government Updated Feb. 19, 2025

The Executive Order's overall focus is on the federal definition of Sex and Gender. It states that Sex and Gender are not interchangeable, and that all policies in the Federal Government should revert to the biological definitions of “sex” to mean “man” and “woman” only and not include “gender” or “gender identity.”  The order would recognize women are biologically female and men are biologically male.

Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Updated Jan. 27, 2025

The Executive Order directs the U.S. Attorney General to provide recommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.

The order attempts to classify universities receiving federal student aid (Title IV funding) as federal subcontractors and directs the U.S. Justice and Education departments to issue guidance that identifies the measures and practices required to comply with the Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard University case. This guidance expands the application of the Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action to areas beyond admissions.  

Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing Updated an. 27, 2025

The Executive Order requires federal agencies to terminate “equity-related” grants or contracts, and all DEI performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees. Agencies are also directed to provide a listing of all Federal contractors who have provided DEI training or DEI training materials to agency or department employees, and all Federal grantees who received Federal funding to provide or advance DEI or ‘environmental justice’ programs, services, or activities since January 20, 2021.

Fair Admissions v. Harvard Feb. 17, 2025 

A Dear Colleague Letter from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights interprets Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down race-based affirmative action in college admissions, to apply to other university policies and programs beyond admissions decisions. The letter states that “treating students differently on the basis of race to achieve nebulous goals such as diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity is illegal.” The letter further states that federal law prohibits the use of race “in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”  The letter directs schools and universities to comply within 14 days and notes that those that fail to do so face potential loss of federal funding.

Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports Updated Feb. 6, 2025

The Executive Order seeks to overhaul eligibility for competition for transgender women who intend to participate on women’s athletic teams. It encourages executive agencies to rescind funding to non-compliant programs where appropriate.

The order directs the U.S. Education Department and Department of Justice to comply with the injunction prohibiting enforcement of the 2024 Title IX rulemaking, update regulations and policy guidance to affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities and locker rooms pursuant to Title IX and prioritize Title IX enforcement actions against educational institutions requiring female students “to compete with or against or appear unclothed before males.”

The order would require a university that becomes aware of a transgender women student-athlete's intent to participate in varsity athletics to assess potential courses of action with respect to its obligations under Title IX and NCAA rules. The NCAA has already updated its transgender participation policy specifically to exclude transgender women from NCAA competition.

NASA DEIA Activities Updated Jan. 28, 2025

This guidance from NASA requires NASA Contractors and Grantees to immediately cease and desist all DEIA activities required of their contracts or grants.

In the short term, NASA funding to the universities will be affected more by the pause on all federal grant funding than the DEIA prohibition. A further evaluation of grant scope of work language and university implementation of that language will be necessary to determine the potential impact of this specific agency guidance, which will apply to all federal agencies/awards per the separate EO on DEIA activities.  

Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation

The Executive Order directs all agencies to end federal funding, sponsorship, promotion, assistance or support of any medical process that “transitions” a child from one sex to another. The head of each executive department or agency that provides research or education grants is ordered to take steps to ensure that institutions receiving funding end gender-affirming care. The order also calls for removing federal funding from medical schools and hospitals that research gender-affirming care.

Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling Updated Jan. 31, 2025

The Executive Order will enforce the law to ensure that recipients of Federal funds providing K-12 education comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in various contexts and protecting parental rights, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, FERPA, and the PPRA. It directs multiple cabinet secretaries to create within 90 days an Ending Indoctrination Strategy to analyze whether K-12 schools promote gender/discriminatory equity ideology, support the social transition of a minor student, interfere with parental right to information, or violate Title VI or Title IX and coordinate with the attorney general to prevent or rescind federal funds accordingly. It also reestablishes the 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. 

 

Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families Updated Jan. 31, 2025

The Executive Order aims to “support parents in choosing and directing the upbringing and education of their children” by promoting “educational choice for families and competition for residentially assigned, government-run public schools.” It directs executive guidance across multiple agencies, including ED, to promote school choice and prioritize “educational freedom” via federal funding and in discretionary grant programs. 

Keeping Education Accessible and Ending Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates in Schools Updated Feb. 18, 2025

The Executive Order requires within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to provide to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a plan to end COVID-19 school mandates, consistent with applicable law, and including, as appropriate, any proposed legislation. 

Improvements to FASFA Form Updated Feb. 6, 2025

The Executive Order requires the Department of Education to modify the current question about “gender” on the 2025–26 form to collect data about applicants’ sex. 

Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness

This Executive Order will redefine eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, specifically excluding from coverage individuals employed by organizations “whose activities have a “substantial illegal purpose.”

Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order seeks to ensure that no federal government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen. It aims to address actions over the last four years related to online platforms. Seeks to ensure that no taxpayer resources are used to engage in or facilitate any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen; and identifies and takes appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the federal government related to censorship of protected speech. 

Delivering on Cost-of-Living Relief Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order directs executive officers to provide emergency price relief, consistent with applicable law, to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker. This includes pursuing actions to: lower the cost of housing and expand housing supply; eliminate unnecessary administrative expenses and rent-seeking practices that increase healthcare costs; eliminate counterproductive requirements that raise the costs of home appliances; create employment opportunities for American workers; and eliminate harmful, coercive “climate” policies that increase the costs of food and fuel. The report is due to the President in 30 days. 

Department of Energy Review Updated Jan. 25, 2025

This agency-wide review of Program and Administrative Activities at the Department of Energy effectively places DOE operations on hold, including funding actions. The memo states this is so the new administration can conduct a review of DOE actions to ensure they are consistent with administration policies and priorities. 

Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order will identify and take appropriate action to correct past misconduct by the Federal Government related to the “weaponization of law enforcement and the weaponization of the Intelligence Communities.” It sets forth a process to ensure accountability for the previous administration’s alleged weaponization of the Federal Government against the American people.

Federal Employee Hiring Freeze Updated Jan. 31, 2025

The Executive Order implements a freeze on the hiring of Federal civilian employees in the executive branch of government. Any position that was vacant at noon on January 20, 2025, is affected by the freeze. 

Freeze on Federal Spending Updated Feb. 2, 2025

On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a directive to federal agencies directing a temporary pause [on] all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the orders. 

President Donald Trump on January 29, rescinded that order. Additionally, in two separate court filings, implementation of any freezes has been temporarily stayed. 

Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order repeals approximately 80 Executive Orders from President Biden.

Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order regulates “foreign adversary-controlled applications,” specifically those operated by TikTok and any other subsidiary of its China-based parent company, ByteDance Ltd., on national security grounds. 

Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service Updated Jan. 30, 2025

The Executive Order reforms the federal hiring process and outlines a policy to create a more efficient and merit-based federal workforce, free from impermissible factors such as race, sex, or religion. It mandates the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days, focusing on recruiting highly skilled individuals dedicated to American ideals and the Constitution. The plan includes measures to improve hiring efficiency, communication with candidates, and the use of modern technology. 

Regulatory Freeze Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order suspends all rules until a department or agency head appointed reviews and approves the rule. It immediately withdraws any rules that have been sent to the OFR but not published in the Federal Register, so that they can be reviewed and approved, subject to the exceptions. 

Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order revokes certain existing AI policies and directives that act as barriers to American AI innovation, clearing a path for the United States to act decisively to retain global leadership in artificial intelligence. 

Removing the USA from the Paris Climate Agreement Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order requires the United States Ambassador to the United Nations to submit formal written notification of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Ambassador, in collaboration with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Treasury, shall immediately cease or revoke any purported financial commitment made by the United States under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

Return to In-Person Work Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order directs the heads of all federal departments and agencies in the executive branch of the federal government to take necessary steps to terminate remote work arrangements for federal employees and to require employees to return to work in-person at their agency duty stations on a full-time basis. Department and agency heads may make exceptions they deem necessary. 

Transparency for the American People About Wasteful Spending Updated Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order requires all departments and agencies to disclose details about terminated programs, cancelled contracts, and discontinued grants. 

Ending Subsidization of Open Borders Feb. 19, 2025

The Executive Order directs Federal departments and agencies to identify all federally funded programs currently providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action. It ensures that Federal funds to states and localities will not be used to support “sanctuary” policies or assist illegal immigration. It mandates improvements in eligibility verification to prevent benefits from going to individuals unlawfully present in the United States.

DHS Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole Jan. 27, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive that rescinded a long-standing policy that identified schools, hospitals, and churches as “sensitive locations” and limited them from immigration enforcement actions. As a result, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will no longer treat these “sensitive locations,” including college campuses, any differently from other locations.

Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship Jan. 22, 2025

The Executive Order requires that no U.S. department or agency shall issue documents recognizing United States citizenship, or accept documents issued by State, local, or other governments or authorities purporting to recognize United States citizenship, to persons: (1) when that person’s mother was unlawfully present in the United States and the person’s father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person’s birth, or (2) when that person’s mother’s presence in the United States was lawful but temporary, and the person’s father was not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident at the time of said person’s birth.

USCIS Alien Registration Requirement

President Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order which directed the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that aliens comply with their duty to register with the government under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The INA requires that, with limited exceptions, all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not fingerprinted or registered when applying for a U.S. visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting. Similarly, parents and guardians must ensure that their children below the age of 14 are registered. Within 30 days of reaching his or her 14th birthday, the previously registered alien child must apply for re-registration and to be fingerprinted.

Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias

This Executive Order has a stated purpose of “protect(ing) the religious freedoms of Americans and end(ing) the anti-Christian weaponization of government.” The Order criticizes the actions of the Biden Administration for allegedly targeting Christians and promoting an anti-Christian environment. In a stated effort to “eradicate anti-Christian bias,” the Order creates a task force within the United States Department of Justice and chaired by the Attorney General. The task force is directed to review the activities of departments and agencies to identify any policies, practices, and/or conduct that runs counter to the Order’s stated purposes.

Delegated Authority for Federal Grant Awards Updated Feb. 25, 2025

This memo from Universities of Wisconsin Jay President Rothman requests that Chancellors temporarily rescind any delegations of authority for signing, entering into, certifying, modifying, amending or renewing federal grants and awards until the UWs have greater certainty around the approach the federal government is taking to existing terms and conditions for federal grants and awards.

NIH Grant Indirect Cost Rates Updated Feb. 18, 2025

On February 7, 2025, the NIH issued Supplemental Guidance to the 2024 NIH Grants Policy Statement: Indirect Cost Rates, which established “a standard indirect rate of 15% across all NIH grants for indirect costs in lieu of a separately negotiated rate for indirect costs in every grant.” This policy change is effective Monday, February 10, and will be applied to (1) the go-forward expenses for all current grants and (2) all new grants issued on or after February 10. The indirect cost rate is also referred to as the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate. 

U.S. Department of Education Cancels Divisive and Wasteful Grants Under Comprehensive Centers Program (Updated Feb. 28, 2025)

The U.S. Department of Education cancelled 18 grants totaling $226 million that were awarded under the Comprehensive Centers Program. These grants went to a network of regional and national centers funded to provide.

UW University Liaisons

The university liaisons serve as the primary point of contact with the working group. Please contact your university liaison with questions related to these federal issues. 

Teresa O’Halloran, UW-Eau Claire, Assistant Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Melissa Nash, UW-Green Bay, Assistant Chancellor / CHRO
Stacy Twite, UW-La Crosse, Chief of Staff
Craig Thompson, UW-Madison, Vice Chancellor for University Relations
Keri Duce, UW-Milwaukee, Chief Government Relations Officer
Alex Hummel, UW-Oshkosh, Chief of Staff
Theresa Castor, UW-Parkside, Vice Provost
Bridget Wallace, UW-Platteville, Chief of Staff
Beth Schommer, UW-River Falls, Chief of Staff
Rob Manzke, UW-Stevens Point, Chief of Staff
Kristi Krimpelbein, UW-Stout, Head of Staff
Ilsa Hoeschen, UW-Superior, Senior Partnerships Officer
Gabby Dralle, UW-Whitewater, Chief of Staff

UW Employees: Be aware of UW’s Political Activity Policy

Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines. Read more about UWs guidance on political activity and public advocacy.

Federal Friday Updates

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