Federal Actions Updates
The new presidential administration in Washington, D.C., began issuing executive orders and memos in January 2025, signaling changes in federal governance priorities.
The University of Delaware is tracking these executive orders and administrative actions for relevant developments and potential impacts on UD and, more generally, on higher education. The University is focused on navigating this transition by taking all necessary steps within the boundaries of law to ensure institutional continuity and minimize disruptions to students, faculty and staff. Our commitment to the University of Delaware’s mission — advancing academic excellence, groundbreaking research and dedicated service — remains steadfast.
This page collects and shares updated information, communication and resources from the University of Delaware regarding the substance and potential impacts of federal actions as available.
Last updated on Monday, February 17, 2025
- Update: Recent Executive Orders (Feb. 13, 2025)
- President Assanis’ remarks to UD Faculty Senate (Feb. 3, 2025)
- Recent Executive Orders (Jan. 28, 2025)
Center for Global Programs and Services
- Information and resources for international students and scholars
- International Student & Scholar Services Announcements
- International student and scholar services safety
Division of Student Life
Human Resources
Office of the Provost
Research Office
Navigating the Federal Transition — prior leadership messaging and applicable resources
Executive Orders and Memos, By Topic
The federal administration has signed an executive order to address anti-Semitism.
The order Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism charges “the head of each executive department or agency” to submit a report that would identify “all civil and criminal authorities or actions” in order to “curb or combat anti-Semitism, and containing an inventory and analysis of all pending administrative complaints, as of the date of the report, against or involving institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to or arising from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism.”
The White House, thereafter, issued this fact sheet.
At UD:
The University of Delaware fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging through a campus atmosphere that promotes the free exchange of ideas and perspectives. Members of the UD community with questions can refer them to vpe-cdo@udel.edu.
Read more:
Executive Order: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism (Jan. 29, 2025)
Fact sheet: President Trump Takes Forceful and Unprecedented Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism (Jan. 30, 2025)
The federal administration has signed executive orders that seek to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs.
The order Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity seeks to terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, what are described as “illegal DEI and DEIA policies” by directing the U.S. Attorney General to offer “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.”
Of particular significance for educational institutions, this executive order directs the Secretary of Education and the Attorney General to “jointly issue guidance to all State and local educational agencies that receive Federal funds, as well as all institutions of higher education that receive Federal grants or participate in the Federal student loan assistance program.”
The order Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing terminates all “equity-related” grants and contracts from federal agencies, including DEI and/or DEIA in “Federal employment practices, contracts, and training policies or programs.”
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a “Dear Colleague” letter warning federally funded institutions against race-conscious practices in admissions, financial aid, hiring, and campus life. The letter, signed by DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, cites the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which overturned affirmative action in college admissions. The DOE’s directive mandates compliance with this ruling across a broader range of institutional practices, with the threat of potential federal funding loss for non-compliant institutions.
At UD:
The University of Delaware is monitoring and assessing implications of all federal initiatives underway as information becomes available.
Related specifically to the DOE’s “Dear Colleague” letter: Senior leadership at the University of Delaware is carefully reviewing the letter to determine whether any further actions are required by the University. A full understanding of its impact will take time. Senior leadership will maintain close communication with deans and other University leaders as more is learned about the letter and potential impacts, and as more information becomes available.
Members of the UD community with questions can refer them to vpe-cdo@udel.edu.
Read more:
- Letter: Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to educational institutions (Feb. 14)
- Executive Order: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports (Feb. 5, 2025)
- NCAA Announcement: Participation Policy for Transgender Student-Athletes (Feb. 6, 2025 update)
- Executive Order: Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing (Jan. 20, 2025)
- Executive Order: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (Jan. 21, 2025)
- Executive Order: Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government (Jan. 20, 2025)
The federal administration has signed several executive orders that could impact the University’s international students, scholars and employees.
The order Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats could impact visa processing times for those with F-1 and J-1 visas.
The order Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship — which is being challenged in court and is currently enjoined — would end birthright citizenship regardless of parents’ status in the U.S.
The order America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State directs the Department of State to bring its “policies, programs, personnel, and operations in line with an America First foreign policy, which puts America and its interests first.”
At UD:
The University of Delaware is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that values a community of individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives and learning experiences This is an essential step in educating global citizens, advancing knowledge and making a positive impact on our world. UD will continue to monitor and assess the implications of federal initiatives as information becomes available. Members of the UD community with questions can refer them to the University’s Center for Global Programs and Services. (Email: cgps@udel.edu.)
Read more:
- Executive Order: America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State (Jan. 20, 2025)
- Executive Order: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship (Jan. 20, 2025)
- Executive Order: Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats (Jan. 20, 2025)
The federal administration has begun implementing policy priorities that could require changes and/or updates from federal agencies and research sponsors pertaining to specific research projects. This will likely impact research compliance requirements for awards, the terms and conditions of awards, proposals and sponsor review timelines, among other areas.
At UD:
The University of Delaware encourages members of UD’s research community to monitor policy updates from federal agencies overseeing applicable grants for any new information on research funding and/or compliance requirements. The UD Research Office is monitoring the latest information on federal initiatives and providing relevant updates through its website. Members of the UD community with questions specific to research implications can refer them to the University’s Research Office. (Email: udresearch@udel.edu.)
In February, the attorney general for the State of Delaware joined attorneys general from nearly two-dozen states in taking legal recourse to stop the U.S. presidential administration from limiting National Institutes of Health funding for health and science research. Upon request from Delaware’s attorney general, the University of Delaware provided a declaration to support that lawsuit. The declaration provided contextual evidence that demonstrates the impact that such federal funding cuts would inflict upon ongoing and future research initiatives, as well as facilities, staff, research compliance, and more. As of Feb. 10, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s funding action as to plaintiff states, including Delaware.
Read more:
Navigating the Federal Transition | University of Delaware Research Office
Federal funding pause rescinded | University of Delaware Research Office message (Jan. 29, 2025)
FAQ: Federal financial assistance freeze | Office of Management and Budget, Executive Office of the President of the United States (January 2025)
The federal administration has taken action to detain, arrest and/or deport undocumented individuals (foreign-born persons who are living in the United States without legal authorization).
The executive order Protecting the American People Against Invasion allows for the United States to “execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. Further, it is the policy of the United States to achieve the total and efficient enforcement of those laws, including through lawful incentives and detention capabilities.”
The Department of Homeland Security said it will enforce immigration laws and arrest undocumented individuals in schools, churches and other places that had been traditionally viewed as “sensitive locations,” the department announced in a Jan. 21 statement Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole.
At UD:
The University of Delaware is monitoring and assessing the implications of these federal initiatives and actions as information becomes available. Members of the UD community with questions can refer them to the Student Support & Advocacy team within the Division of Student Life. (Email: studentsupport@udel.edu.)
Read more:
Statement: Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole | Department of Homeland Security (Jan. 21, 2025)
Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion (Jan. 20, 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Bookmark this webpage. It will be updated regularly, as information becomes available, to inform the UD community on any federal actions and policies that may impact the University of Delaware.
UD protects the privacy of its students and their records. Unless required by law, the University does not and will not share student records. Learn more about the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and additional information about FERPA for UD students, faculty and staff.
Resources exist for members of the UD community with questions related to:
Inclusivity and belonging — vpe-cdo@udel.edu
International study and scholarship — cgps@udel.edu
Research — udresearch@udel.edu
Diversity, equity and inclusion
It’s still too soon to assess how these Executive Orders will impact the University. In the meantime, we are actively monitoring developments, consulting with peer institutions, local, state, and federal officials, and reviewing new information as it becomes available to better understand the situation.
The University is not requiring cancellation of upcoming events or meetings based on these Executive Orders. If you have concerns or receive agency mandates requiring cancellation, please contact your supervisor or Dean.
Research funding and grants
UD’s Research Office has developed a resource page that will be updated regularly to provide information, guidance and the latest updates to members of the University’s research community.
International students, scholars and employees
No. The 2011 policy from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which limited immigration enforcement at certain locations, including educational institutions, has been rescinded.
International students and scholars are advised to carry or have electronic copies of the following:
The biographical page of their passport
Their most recent I-94 admission record
A copy of their Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
Undocumented individuals
As to University student records, they are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, unless the University receives a valid court order or subpoena to release them to law-enforcement officers.
If you become aware of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus, please immediately notify University Police and they will notify the University’s Office of the General Counsel, if needed.
Newark Campus: Please contact University Police using either of the following numbers:
- 911 (24 hour/toll-free)
- (302) 831-2222 for non-emergency calls
Other University Campuses (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Lewes):
- Please contact University Police at (302) 831-2222 to notify them.
- If you observe something that gives you pause and believe the support of local law enforcement (if not already present) would be helpful, please contact 911 for immediate assistance from local law enforcement.
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