Good afternoon,
The goal of this email is to provide a regular source of useful information to staff and faculty of the University of Missouri System regarding the federal government and higher education. We have put together a list of news articles that will keep you informed of the actions taken by the executive, legislative, and judicial branch of government. These articles are meant to be informative and are not a reflection of the views or stance of the system regarding these issues.
If you would like more information regarding any of the stories we share, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Dusty Schnieders schniedersd@umsystem.edu and/or Emily Lucas el59bz@umsystem.edu.
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Capitol Hill Update
Live updates: Democratic tensions flare as Senate prepares to vote on funding bill
The Hill – March 14, 2025
The Senate is up against a government funding deadline Friday and needs 60 votes to keep the lights on and prevent a shutdown beginning Saturday morning. The bill cuts funding for nondefense programs and services by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal year 2024 enacted levels.
Federal News
Office for Civil Rights Initiates Title VI Investigations into Institutions of Higher Education
U.S. Department of Education – March 14, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into 45 universities under Title VI following OCR’s February 14 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) that reiterated schools’ civil rights obligations to end the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities. The investigations come amid allegations that these institutions have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by partnering with “The Ph.D. Project,” an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.
U.S. Department of Education – March 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) sent letters to 60 institutions of higher education warning them of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities. The letters are addressed to all U.S. universities that are presently under investigation for Title VI violations relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination.
Assessing the Damage After the Education Department’s Mass Layoffs
Inside Higher Ed – March 13, 2025
The Trump administration’s deep cuts at the department hit some offices harder than others, but the effects will likely be felt by students, families and institutions across the country. The department hasn't detailed how the layoffs were distributed across the agency, which is one of the smallest in the president's cabinet. But a spreadsheet from the union representing department employees containing 969 names along with interviews with formers staffers offer insights into how the reductions shook out. Across the board, former department officials, policy analysts, equity advocates and legal experts worry that the reduction in force will be a blow to crucial services for students and institutions.
Trump seeks minerals refining on Pentagon bases to boost US output
Reuters – March 10, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to build metals refining facilities on Pentagon military bases as part of his plan to boost domestic production of critical minerals and offset China's control of the sector, two senior administration officials told Reuters. The move is one of several planned for an executive order Trump could sign as soon as Wednesday after he told the U.S. Congress last week he would "take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA."
2025 Congressional Calendar
Tentative 2025 congressional calendar, subject to change.
Reviewed 2025-03-28