2025 Federal Action Updates

With the new administration assuming control of the day-to-day oversight of the Federal government in January 2025, numerous Executive Orders have been issued from the Office of the President.  The University's leadership is actively monitoring the orders as they are published, in order to discern the impact on St. 做厙輦⑹'s role and function . As these impacts become clear, this page will serve as a source for all members of the St. 做厙輦⑹ community to use for updates and information.

These are challenging times, but we will navigate them together, guided by our values of inclusion, compassion, and care.

What we know: Department of Education Reduction in Force

On March 11, 2025, the Department of Education announcing a reduction in force across the entire Department. According to the DoE, 2,100 employees, or approximately 50% of its existing workforce, will be affected by a combination of layoffs and buyouts.

 

There was no mention of closing the department in the announcement. The press release stated that the Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agencys purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking.  

The announcement mentioned that some departments within the Department of Education would need to reorganize in order to continue to serve its constituents effectively.

Much remains to be seen as the reduction in force takes effect. The most immediate concern among students would be the impact on student loan programs and the Pell Grants. The Department of Education indicated those would continue to be served.

Again, much remains to be seen. We currently have four grants through the Department of Education:

  • TRIO-SSS Grant
  • ASL Interpreter Training
  • ASL Interpreter Training - Healthcare
  • Science Building & Equipment Technology 

For now, these programs continue to be funded. 

The funding for our current TRIO program expires on August 31, 2025; our proposal to renew our Student Support Services program, along with our proposal to add an SSS program targeted specifically to students with disabilities, are pending. Funding decisions on those are expected this summer; services to 240 students are at stake, along with the jobs of the TRIO team. 

St. Kates TRIO Student Support Services program provides intensive academic advising and essential student support activities to improve retention and completion for undergraduate students who are low-income, first-generation, and/or have a disability. The TRIO SSS program is foundational to participants college journeys, providing the academic and socio-emotional support needed to succeed and excel. If the funding for this program was not renewed, the students would likely be assigned to the current academic advising team; other support mechanisms would need to be explored.

What we know: Pause on Federal Grant Activity

In a  January 27, 2025, Federal agencies were ordered to temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance. This pause was to go into effect at 4 p.m. Central time on January 28, but was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in the District of Columbia. A more permanent decision is expected from the judge on Monday, February 3.

On January 29, the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo , and is not seeking to freeze or pause federal financial assistance including, but not limited to, Pell grants and other financial aid for students. 

What We Know: Prohibiting Transgender Athletes from Womens Sports

On Wednesday, February 5, an executive order titled "" was signed. The order prohibits transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories and enforces federal policies to restrict their participation. In this order, federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), are directed to interpret Title IXa law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in educationas banning transgender athletes from female sports.

In response to this order, the NCAA has . St. 做厙輦⑹ Athletics, as a member of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), follows NCAA rules.

All students in good standing, once admitted to St. 做厙輦⑹, receive the Universitys full support as students regardless of their gender identity.

St. 做厙輦⑹ already has a policy in place regarding transgender and nonbinary admissions. Read the full policy here.

While we were founded as a college for women, St. Kates welcomes students of all gender identities through our College for Adults and Graduate College.

More about Equity and Belonging at St. Kate's

What we know: Immigration Enforcement

On Jan. 20, 2025, the federal administration rescinded prior guidelines restricting immigration enforcement actions in protected areas such as schools, churches, and medical facilities. This now means that immigration officers may now enter publicly accessible areas of campus during normal hours of operation.

The offices of Student Life, Human Resources, Legal Counsel and Equity and Belonging held training and informational sessions in February, 2025 to equip our community with guidance and protocols. 

Stay calm. If others are present, encourage them to remain calm as well.

Politely state: I cannot give you permission to enter or provide information. I am obligated to contact University administration before you proceed. 

Immediately contact the Department of Public Safety at (651) 690-8888 or via the LiveSafe app. DPS will come to support you. 

Notify University Administration (leave a voicemail if necessary):

  • Legal Officer: Todd Schnell, 612-443-1914, twschnell325@stkate.edu;
  • Human Resources: Latisha Dawson, 651-690-8103 ledawson536@stkate.edu; 
  • Equity and Inclusion: Jackie Font-Guzm獺n, 651-690-6643 jnfontguzman597@stkate.edu; or
  • Student Affairs: JoNes VanHecke, 651-690-6778 (office) or 507-720-4432 jrvanhecke016@stkate.edu

While waiting for University administration to arrive, you are not obligated to provide information to the ICE officer about yourself, or answer questions from the ICE officer.

University administration will take responsibility for addressing the specific circumstances once on-site.

If an ICE officer or any other officer proceeds to enter limited access or non-public areas without waiting for a member of the administration to arrive:

  • Calmly inform them that you are not obstructing their process, but that you are not authorized to grant access and will need to contact Legal Counsel for assistance. 
  • You should not attempt to physically block or interfere with their actions, but do record your notes of the interaction with the officer and their actions.
Additional Immigration Law Resources

Make Your Voice Heard

Your voice is a powerful way to illustrate how a decision made on paper has drastically different consequences when applied in real life. You may email or call the offices of your US Senator or member of Congress with your concerns about or support of any actions currently being taken or considered by the federal government.

Community Information

Information for Students

If you are a student feeling uncertain or directly impacted by these recent changes, we are here to support you, starting with the following campus resources: 

Information for Faculty and Staff

If you are an employee feeling uncertain or directly impacted by these recent changes, we are here to support you.

Please contact your supervisor to discuss how this is impacting your work here, and what would be helpful. 

Additional resources: 

  • Employee Assistance Program: 800-537-3543 or visit .