Biggest threat to higher education isn’t making headlines

More from the OpEd ...
At the same time, the administration has worked to build a web of regulatory, accreditation, and compliance mechanisms that may do as much or more to reshape colleges and universities than the headline-grabbing battles over DEI, campus protests, and research funding.

This week, the Office of Management and Budget proposed revisions to its guidance for federal financial assistance that prioritize politics over scientific merit. The proposal requires a review of all federal grants by political appointees to ensure they "demonstrably advance the president's policy priorities."

Agencies would not be permitted to fund research that denies "the sex binary in humans," promotes "anti-American values," or supports illegal immigration, voter registration or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Grants deemed not "in the public interest" can be terminated.

As the head of the American Public Health Association observed, the policy could "devastate innovation, science and research" in the U.S. ...[emphasis mine]

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-06-09 09:27 PM | Reply

#1 | Posted by LampLighter

There's little innovation of science and research so long as universities have to teach remedial mathematics to incoming freshmen.

#2 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-06-09 10:09 PM | Reply

U.S. Department of Education Reaches Consensus to Reform and Strengthen America's Higher Education Accreditation System
www.ed.gov

... "President Trump tasked us with implementing some of the most critical higher education reforms in history " and we are proud to once again deliver resounding and lasting results for American students and taxpayers," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "The work of the AIM Committee continues to build on the broader transformation of our higher education system: lowering costs, simplifying repayment, connecting education to workforce needs, strengthening accountability, and restoring confidence in our accreditation system. We appreciate the negotiators for their hard work in helping make the President's vision a reality."

The consensus language, as agreed to by the negotiating committee, makes significant changes to the accreditation framework. Key changes include:

...Protecting academic freedom and promoting intellectual diversity: Too many institutions have become echo chambers focused on discriminatory ideology and unlawful discriminatory practices. ...

Section 492 of the Higher Education Act (HEA) requires that the Secretary of Education solicit public comment in the development of proposed regulations before publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. After obtaining advice and recommendations from the public and stakeholders, the Secretary conducts negotiated rulemaking to develop the proposed regulations. ...

#3 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-06-09 11:09 PM | Reply