NACAC Advocacy and Policy Updates for June 11, 2025

NACAC is actively monitoring executive orders that pertain to education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and their potential impacts on the field of college admission counseling. NACAC also is advocating on behalf of its 28,000 members for its policy priorities. 

To ensure NACAC's advocacy efforts are meeting the needs of members, NACAC has an Impact of Recent U.S. Federal Actions survey where members are encouraged to share their perspectives on how recent federal actions are impacting their work. 

Review previous advocacy and policy updates.

Jump ahead to:

NACAC endorses the CLASS Act to promote equity and justice for students (June 11, 2025) 

NACAC proudly endorses the Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Maxine Waters. This legislation would strengthen accountability for for-profit colleges by prohibiting institutions from receiving federal student aid if they require students to sign mandatory arbitration clauses or waive their right to bring claims in court. These clauses have long shielded predatory institutions from legal consequences while leaving students — particularly veterans, low-income students, and students of color — without meaningful recourse. The CLASS Act is a necessary step to protect students and taxpayer dollars and ensure all students have access to the legal protections they deserve. 

NACAC joins amicus brief challenging executive branch's effort to control Harvard (June 10, 2025)  

NACAC joined an amicus brief filed by the American Council on Education and 27 other higher education organizations supporting Harvard's motion for summary judgment against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The brief argues that the administration's funding freeze targeting Harvard is an unlawful attempt to bypass limits on executive power and threatens the core principle of institutional autonomy in American higher education. The brief outlines key arguments: There's executive overreach by the Trump administration that bypasses Congress and the First Amendment, and these actions by the administration threaten institutional autonomy and academic freedom.   

NACAC and partners urge Congress to protect Pell Grants and preserve access (June 6, 2025)   

NACAC joined more than 170 organizations in urging congressional leaders to fully fund the Pell Grant program and reject harmful eligibility cuts. More than 7 million students rely on Pell to afford college, yet without new mandatory funding, the program faces a $10.3 billion shortfall by FY 2026. Cuts would widen the affordability gap, limit access, and threaten college completion. Congress must act now to preserve this vital investment in students and our economic future.  

Courts say education cuts are illegal; Trump appeals to Supreme Court (June 6, 2025) 

President Trump has asked the Supreme Court to allow his administration to proceed with plans to lay off nearly half of the U.S. Department of Education's staff, despite rulings from a federal district court and the First Circuit Court of Appeals blocking the cuts. Both courts found that the reductions would violate congressional mandates and make it "impossible" for the department to fulfill its legal responsibilities, including managing federal student loans and special education. In an emergency appeal, the administration claims staffing decisions fall solely under executive authority. The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon if it will take up the case. The stakes for students and federal education support are enormous. 

Federal judge blocks Trump's cuts to AmeriCorps in 24 states and D.C. (June 6, 2025) 

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore AmeriCorps programs in Washington, D.C. and 24 states after abrupt funding cuts eliminated thousands of volunteers and over 1,000 grants. The ruling found that the administration likely violated federal law by failing to provide public notice or comment before slashing the program, jeopardizing disaster relief efforts and vital community services. The decision restores funding and national service placements in the plaintiff's states while litigation continues. 

New travel bans compound visa chaos in higher education (June 6, 2025) 

Trump has issued sweeping new travel restrictions targeting international students, escalating his administration's crackdown on global mobility in higher education. The latest executive order bars entry to the U.S. from 12 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, and imposes visa restrictions on seven more, even as many students are still awaiting stalled visa interviews. Although these countries represent a relatively small share of international enrollment, the timing, during peak visa renewal season, could have a chilling effect across the board. Layered on top of ongoing visa pauses and mounting legal challenges, these moves inject deep uncertainty into the system. Colleges warn that these policies threaten to undermine our international partnerships, destabilize institutional planning, and drive prospective students to other countries. 

Protect students: reconciliation bill moving quickly in Congress (June 5, 2025) 

With Congress moving quickly to finalize its sweeping budget reconciliation bill, June is our most critical window to act. EdTrust has released an updated resource that breaks down what is at stake for students and provides concrete tools to help advocates take action. From sample outreach to a clear breakdown of the proposed cuts, this tool equips members with what they need to advocate. NACAC is urging members to use this resource to help defend access, equity, and opportunity in education.  

The EdTrust resource, "The Next Threat to Education: Congress' Budget Reconciliation," explains:   

NACAC joins 59 organizations in urging robust representation on Education Department's student debt rulemaking panel (June 5, 2025) 

NACAC joined a coalition of organizations in urging the U.S. Department of Education to revise the structure of its upcoming negotiated rulemaking committee on student debt. In the letter, we emphasized the need for distinct seats representing key stakeholders, student loan borrowers, civil rights advocates, legal aid providers, and consumer protection groups, whose perspectives are essential to an equitable and effective process. Programs like Income-Driven Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness serve millions and must be protected from harmful policy changes. We call on the Department of Education to ensure borrower voices are prioritized, and that negotiators reflect the full diversity of those impacted. A more inclusive rulemaking process will better serve students, borrowers, and the public at large.  

NACAC joins coalition partners in opposition to House-passed reconciliation bill (June 4, 2025)  

NACAC has joined a broad coalition in urging the Senate to reject the House-passed reconciliation bill that would severely weaken critical student aid programs and make college less accessible, particularly for low-income students, students of color, and student parents. From slashing Pell Grant access to eliminating subsidized loans and weakening borrower protections, the bill undermines affordability, equity, and opportunity in higher education. We are calling on lawmakers to pursue bipartisan solutions that invest in students and strengthen our nation's future.  

Act now to save Pell Grants (June 4, 2025) 

NACAC is helping to share a resource where you can make your voice heard in support of the Pell Grant. Congress is considering legislation that would make the largest cut to the Pell Grant in its 50-year history, slashing awards or eliminating eligibility for over half of all recipients. This harmful proposal would put college out of reach for millions of low-income students and undermine our nation's economic future. Tell Congress: Do not cut Pell. Instead, protect and strengthen this foundational investment in students and our workforce. Use NCAN's toolkit to elevate your voice and advocate for students across the country.   

President's FY 2026 budget proposal threatens student access to higher education (June 4, 2025) 

NACAC is deeply concerned by the president's expanded fiscal year 2026 budget request, which proposes a $12 billion, or 15.3 percent reduction in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education. The President's FY26 budget request sends a troubling message: that the federal government is retreating from its role in advancing educational equity and opportunity. By shifting critical responsibilities to states without adequate funding, the proposal threatens to dismantle longstanding support structures for students who rely on to access and complete higher education. 

Trump administration moves to codify DOGE spending cuts through recission request (June 3, 2025) 

On June 3, the White House formally asked Congress to rescind over $9 billion in unspent funds from FY24 and FY25, primarily targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. The request is part of the administration's government efficiency campaign and seeks to codify earlier cuts. It also invokes the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which allows the president to propose rescissions and temporarily withhold funds for up to 45 days while Congress considers the request. If Congress does not approve the rescission, the funds must ultimately be spent. 

NACAC joins call for swift action on student visa processing delays (May 30, 2025) 

NACAC joined the American Council on Education and other higher education organizations in urging the Department of State to minimize disruptions to student visa processing. A broad pause on visa interviews and potential visa revocation sends the wrong message to international students and threatens our global competitiveness. We are calling on the Department of State to keep any pause as short as possible and use all available tools to reduce wait times and streamline the process. NACAC stands ready to be a partner in welcoming international students to the U.S. and our campuses. Read the letter.