dotEDU, the ACE Policy Podcast
The latest episode of dotEDU Live unpacks the sweeping layoffs at the Department of Education and their implications for colleges and universities. Hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja are joined by ACE President Ted Mitchell to break down the budget battle in Congress, the department’s restructuring, and the ripple effects on financial aid, student services, and institutional oversight. (Aired March 20, 2025)
As colleges and universities face mounting federal scrutiny, dotEDU Live hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer discuss the Education Department’s revised FAQ on DEI policies, newly confirmed Secretary Linda McMahon’s plans for the department, and the Trump administration’s increasing use of federal funding to pressure institutions.
(Aired March 5, 2025)
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued a sweeping directive declaring that race-conscious student programs, financial aid, and support services violate federal civil rights law—giving colleges just 14 days to comply. ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the implications for campuses.
(Aired February 19, 2025)
In this all-Q&A episode of dotEDU Live, hosts Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the latest policy shifts, legal battles, and administrative chaos facing colleges and universities in the Trump administration’s first weeks.
(Aired February 6, 2025)
The Trump administration’s broad freeze on federal grants sparked confusion across higher ed—until a judge blocked it just before taking effect. In this Jan. 28 episode, Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja break down the fast-moving developments. Later, ACE President Ted Mitchell joins Jon and Sarah to discuss what’s at stake and what’s next for colleges, universities, and students.
(Aired January 29, 2025)
Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the early days of the Trump administration’s second term and its impact on higher education. (Aired January 24, 2025)
From 2024
dotEDU Live: Higher Education’s Path Forward in Trump’s Second Term
(Aired December 12, 2024)
dotEDU Live: What Trump’s Win and a New Congress Mean for Higher Education (Aired November 7, 2024)
Issue Briefs
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Letters
Letter to Department of Education Office of Civil Rights on DEI Dear Colleague Letter (PDF) (February 25, 2025)
Letter to New Members of the 119th Congress (PDF) (January 15, 2025)
ACE Policy Recommendations to 2024 Presidential Candidates (PDF) (October 15, 2024)
Blog Posts & Campaign News
Dear President-elect Trump: Higher Education Builds America | By Ted Mitchell (January 6, 2025)
ACE Calls for Policy Focus on Higher Education in Presidential Campaigns (September 16, 2024)
Statements
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on President Trump's Executive Order to Dismantle the Department of Education (March 20, 2025)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Sweeping Layoffs at the Department of Education (March 11, 2025)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell Opposing the Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Grants and Contracts to Columbia University (March 10, 2025)
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ACE, AAU, APLU, Others File Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Cut to Life-saving NIH Research (February 10, 2025)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Trump Administration Move to Slash Research Indirect Cost Rate (February 7, 2025)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on Federal Assistance Pause (January 28, 2025)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on the Nomination of Linda McMahon to be Secretary of Education (November 20, 2024)
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Statement by ACE President Ted Mitchell on the Election of Donald J. Trump (November 6, 2024)