Identity of Speakers
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Donald Trump
Unaffiliated
OtherPresident of the United States
Resources
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Right wing -
Incident Responses:
Title IX or other federal statute
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
On August 7, 2025, President Trump signed a presidential memorandum titled “Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions.” The order directs the Secretary of Education to require all colleges and universities receiving federal funding to demonstrate that they do not consider race in admissions decisions. The administration stated that the policy responds to concerns that some institutions continue to use “diversity statements” and other “overt and hidden racial proxies,” despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down race-conscious admissions. The memorandum also reaffirms that federal law prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded programs and tasks the Department of Education with enforcing compliance through oversight and public disclosure.
The order also mandates a redesign of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to improve the clarity, accuracy, and accessibility of admissions-related data. It directs the Education Department to modernize data collection tools, streamline how information is presented to students and families, and expand the scope of reporting. Institutions will be required to submit more detailed admissions information, and the Department is authorized to take corrective action if schools fail to comply. According to the administration, these measures are intended to ensure transparency and enforce a uniform, race-neutral standard in college admissions.
The memorandum follows recent federal actions involving several universities that had their research funding temporarily restricted and were required to enter agreements committing to greater data disclosure and external audits. These actions reflect a broader campaign by the Trump administration to reshape higher education policy. Since returning to office, the administration has launched dozens of federal investigations into colleges and universities, reduced funding to institutions found out of compliance with federal civil rights law, and rolled back prior executive orders supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
