Federal Actions Updates

91原创 main campus in Newark, DE on Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Federal Actions Updates

The new presidential administration in Washington, D.C., began issuing executive orders and memos in January 2025, signaling changes in federal governance priorities.

The 91原创 is tracking these executive orders and administrative actions for relevant developments and potential impacts on 91原创 and, more generally, on higher education. The University is focused on navigating this transition by taking all necessary steps within the boundaries of law to ensure institutional continuity and minimize disruptions to students, faculty and staff. Our commitment to the 91原创鈥檚 mission 鈥� advancing academic excellence, groundbreaking research and dedicated service 鈥� remains steadfast.听

This page collects and shares updated information, communication and resources from the 91原创 regarding the substance and potential impacts of federal actions as available.听

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Last updated on Friday, February 12, 2026

University communication

(Feb. 13, 2025)
President Assanis鈥� remarks to 91原创 Faculty Senate (Feb. 3, 2025)
(Jan. 28, 2025)

University resources

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Research Office

鈥� prior leadership messaging and applicable resources

Contact information

Executive Orders and Memos, By Topic

Antisemitism

The federal administration has signed an executive order to address anti-Semitism.

The order charges 鈥渢he head of each executive department or agency鈥� to submit a report that would identify 鈥渁ll civil and criminal authorities or actions鈥� in order to 鈥渃urb or combat anti-Semitism, and containing an inventory and analysis of all pending administrative complaints, as of the date of the report, against or involving institutions of higher education alleging civil-rights violations related to or arising from post-October 7, 2023, campus anti-Semitism.鈥�

The White House, thereafter, issued this .

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At 91原创:

The 91原创 fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging through a campus atmosphere that promotes the free exchange of ideas and perspectives. Members of the 91原创 community with questions can refer them to vpe-cdo@udel.edu. 听

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: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism (Jan. 29, 2025)
: President Trump Takes Forceful and Unprecedented Steps to Combat Anti-Semitism (Jan. 30, 2025)听

Department of Education

The federal administration has signed an executive order to initiate the process of closing the U.S. Department of Education.

The order听听calls for 鈥渃losing the Department of Education and returning authority to the states鈥� and ensuring 鈥渢hat the allocation of any Federal Department of Education funds is subject to rigorous compliance with Federal law and Administration policy.鈥�

Said U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon: 鈥淐losing the Department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them鈥攚e will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs. We鈥檙e going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition.鈥�

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At 91原创:

The 91原创 will closely monitor any and all changes to the U.S. Department of Education, as we assess if and how these changes may impact 91原创 and/or higher education at large.

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: Improving education outcomes by empowering parents, states, and communities (March 20, 2025)
: Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU) President Mark Becker Statement on Executive Order to Dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (March 20, 2025)
: Statement on President Trump鈥檚 Executive Order to Return Power Over Education to States and Local Communities | U.S. Department of Education (March 20, 2025)

Diversity, equity and inclusion

The federal administration has signed executive orders that seek to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs.听

The order seeks to terminate, to the maximum extent allowed by law, what are described as 鈥渋llegal DEI and DEIA policies鈥� by directing the U.S. Attorney General to offer 鈥渞ecommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.鈥�

Of particular significance for educational institutions, this executive order directs the Secretary of Education and the Attorney General to 鈥渏ointly issue guidance to all State and local educational agencies that receive Federal funds, as well as all institutions of higher education that receive Federal grants or participate in the Federal student loan assistance program.鈥�

The order terminates all 鈥渆quity-related鈥� grants and contracts from federal agencies, including DEI and/or DEIA in 鈥淔ederal employment practices, contracts, and training policies or programs.鈥�

On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) issued a 鈥淒ear Colleague鈥� warning federally funded institutions against race-conscious practices in admissions, financial aid, hiring, and campus life. The letter, signed by DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, cites the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which overturned affirmative action in college admissions. The DOE鈥檚 directive mandates compliance with this ruling across a broader range of institutional practices, with the threat of potential federal funding loss for non-compliant institutions.

On Feb. 21, the federal district court for the District of Maryland issued an order temporarily blocking three provisions of two January 2025 executive orders discussed above 鈥� Executive Order 14151, 鈥淓nding Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,鈥� and Executive Order 14173, 鈥淓nding Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.鈥澨� The presidential administration is ordered not to: 1) pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, terminate or change the terms of any current awards, contracts or obligations;听2)听require any grantee or contractor to make any 鈥渃ertification鈥� or other representation regarding whether they promote DEI; or 3) bring any False Claims Act enforcement action, or other enforcement action under the anti-DEI executive orders.听The presidential administration has appealed this order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and filed a motion to stay the nationwide injunction during the appeal鈥檚 pendency.听It is unclear if and how this injunction will impact the enforcement of the 鈥淒ear Colleague Letter鈥� issued Feb. 14 by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

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At 91原创:

The 91原创 is monitoring and assessing implications of all federal initiatives underway as information becomes available.听

Related specifically to the DOE鈥檚鈥淒ear Colleague鈥� : Senior leadership at the 91原创 is carefully reviewing the letter to determine whether any further actions are required by the University. A full understanding of its impact will take time. Senior leadership will maintain close communication with deans and other University leaders as more is learned about the letter and potential impacts, and as more information becomes available.

Members of the 91原创 community with questions can refer them to vpe-cdo@udel.edu. 听听

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: Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (Feb. 28)
: Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to educational institutions (Feb. 14)
: Keeping Men Out of Women鈥檚 Sports (Feb. 5, 2025)听
- : Participation Policy for Transgender Student-Athletes (Feb. 6, 2025 update)
: Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing (Jan. 20, 2025)
: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (Jan. 21, 2025)
: Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government (Jan. 20, 2025)

International students, scholars and employees

The federal administration has signed several executive orders that could impact the University鈥檚 international students, scholars and employees.听

The order could impact visa processing times for those with F-1 and J-1 visas.听

The order 鈥� which is being challenged in court and is currently enjoined 鈥� would end birthright citizenship regardless of parents鈥� status in the U.S.听

The order directs the Department of State to bring its 鈥減olicies, programs, personnel, and operations in line with an America First foreign policy, which puts America and its interests first.鈥�

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At 91原创:

The 91原创 is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that values a community of individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives and learning experiences This is an essential step in educating global citizens, advancing knowledge and making a positive impact on our world.

In April 2025, the federal administration began issuing changes to and/or terminating the visas or SEVIS records of international students, including current students and former students on post-graduation Optional Practical Training work authorization who hold 91原创-sponsored visas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has since restored those records. The University had no advance notice of or involvement with these decisions by the federal government. If the University鈥檚 Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) is notified or becomes aware through its daily monitoring that a member of our community鈥檚 visa status has been affected by a federal action, CGPS will reach out to the community member and provide information and resources for accessing and identifying personal immigration legal services and campus support.

On May 27, 2025, CGPS was made aware of听听that the U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused new F-1 and J-1 student visa appointments and interviews at U.S. Consulates overseas. These measures are expected to be in effect until the State Department provides guidance on the听social media screening听and vetting of student and scholar visa applicants. Reports suggest that this pause does not affect those who have already scheduled interviews. At this time, the University and CGPS are not aware of an official public announcement from the federal听听about the pause.听Guidance for incoming international students and scholars is available on听the University鈥檚 International Student & Scholar Services page.

91原创 will continue to monitor and assess the implications of federal initiatives as information becomes available. Members of the 91原创 community with questions can refer them to the University鈥檚 Center for Global Programs and Services. (Email: cgps@udel.edu.)

In December 2025, the U.S. government issued a Presidential Proclamation that updated and expanded a federal travel ban to 39 countries. The revised restrictions 鈥� effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1, 2026 鈥� restrict either full or partial entry on nationals of certain countries. (This action applies only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who are outside of the U.S. from that effective date and who do not possess a valid visa.) The University has provided guidance to students, scholars and other employees from affected countries and will continue to monitor for additional and relevant updates from the federal government.

In response to questions from members of the 91原创 community,听the 91原创 has published guidance听on how to respond if federal immigration enforcement officers arrive on campus or at any University location. This guidance applies to all 91原创 faculty, staff, and students across all University locations. It includes what to do if you encounter federal officers, information on your campus resources, frequently asked questions, and links to external Know Your Rights resources.

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Letter: DOS resumes student visa appointments with enhanced vetting of online presence | 91原创 CGPS (June 23, 2025)
FAQ: Travel ban issued on 19 countries | 91原创 CGPS (June 6, 2025)
Letter: Travel ban issued on 19 countries | 91原创 CGPS (June 6, 2025)
Letter: A message to our international students | 91原创 CGPS (June 3, 2025)
FAQ: The Center for Global Programs and Services鈥� International Student and Scholar Services
: The Delaware Department of Justice鈥檚 Know Your Rights.
University resources:
- Emergency and after-hours services via Student Wellbeing
- The Student Crisis Fund via Student Life
- Student Wellbeing Resources
: America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State (Jan. 20, 2025)
: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship (Jan. 20, 2025)
: Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats (Jan. 20, 2025)

Research funding and grants

The federal administration has begun implementing policy priorities that could require changes and/or updates from federal agencies and research sponsors pertaining to specific research projects. This will likely impact research compliance requirements for awards, the terms and conditions of awards, proposals and sponsor review timelines, among other areas.

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At 91原创:

The 91原创 encourages members of 91原创鈥檚 research community to monitor policy updates from federal agencies overseeing applicable grants for any new information on research funding and/or compliance requirements. The 91原创 Research Office is monitoring the latest information on federal initiatives and providing relevant updates through its website. Members of the 91原创 community with questions specific to research implications can refer them to the University鈥檚 Office. (Email: udresearch@udel.edu.)

In February, the attorney general for the State of Delaware joined attorneys general from nearly two-dozen states in taking legal recourse to stop the U.S. presidential administration from limiting National Institutes of Health funding for health and science research. Upon request from Delaware鈥檚 attorney general, the 91原创 provided a declaration to support that lawsuit. The declaration provided contextual evidence that demonstrates the impact that such federal funding cuts would inflict upon ongoing and future research initiatives, as well as facilities, staff, research compliance, and more. As of Feb. 10, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration鈥檚 funding action as to plaintiff states, including Delaware.听On March 5,听a federal judge issued an injunction that will keep indirect costs related to NIH grants flowing at their current rate nationwide amid ongoing litigation.

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Undocumented individuals

The federal administration has taken action to detain, arrest and/or deport undocumented individuals (foreign-born persons who are living in the United States without legal authorization).听

The executive order allows for the United States to 鈥渆xecute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. Further, it is the policy of the United States to achieve the total and efficient enforcement of those laws, including through lawful incentives and detention capabilities.鈥澨�

The Department of Homeland Security said it will enforce immigration laws and arrest undocumented individuals in schools, churches and other places that had been traditionally viewed as 鈥渟ensitive locations,鈥� the department announced in a Jan. 21 statement .

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At 91原创:

The University is not aware of any 91原创 community members being arrested or detained, nor do we have any awareness of a federal law enforcement presence on our campus related to these matters. In any such instances, the University has a response protocol; affected individuals should contact 91原创 Police at 302-831-2222. The University鈥檚 Office of General Counsel will be notified as necessary.

The 91原创 is monitoring and assessing the implications of these federal initiatives and actions as information becomes available. Members of the 91原创 community with questions can refer them to the Student Support & Advocacy team within the Division of Student Life. (Email: studentsupport@udel.edu.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What has the 91原创 been doing to address changes in federal policy, support faculty and students, and ensure continuity of University operations?

The University has adopted a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to respond to recent federal policy changes and safeguard its operations:

Federal Engagement: We have been working closely with our Delaware federal delegation to convey institutional impacts of federal policy changes and to empower them to help safeguard the University. Those efforts have focused on highlighting the importance of protecting federal programs that benefit our students, faculty, and broader mission, particularly those that 听 support innovation, scientific research, and public service.
Collaboration with the State of Delaware: We have maintained regular communication with the State of Delaware, particularly the Attorney General鈥檚 Office, to stay informed and aligned on how federal actions may affect the University and its communities.听
Engagement with National Organizations: The University continues to actively collaborate with professional organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation (EIF), and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). 91原创 has been involved in developing p and coordinating on听 responses to federal developments. This engagement has also supported advocacy efforts. This includes the University鈥檚 election to join more than 650 colleges, universities and scholarly societies by signing onto听听a letter published by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) imploring greater coordination, communication and strategy between American higher education and the federal government.
Internal Support Strategies: The University is actively working with faculty to support those who are affected by reductions in federal funding. We are helping them pursue alternative funding sources such as philanthropic development, foundation grants, and corporate partnerships. In some cases, we will be providing bridge funding to support students and sustain research continuity.
Scenario Planning: The University has been conducting scenario planning to ensure operational resilience and continuity under a range of potential policy and funding environments.

Communication with the Community: We are committed to keeping the 91原创 community informed. This has included the development of dedicated web pages that track and explain federal actions and their implications for the institution.More information can be found at 91原创鈥檚 Federal Actions Updates webpage, as well as our pertaining to the 91原创 Research Office.

How will the 91原创 inform our community of any new executive orders that may impact work, studies and research at 91原创?

Bookmark this webpage. It will be updated regularly, as information becomes available, to inform the 91原创 community on any federal actions and policies that may impact the 91原创.

Does the 91原创 protect the privacy of students?

91原创 protects the privacy of its students and their records. Unless required by law, the University does not and will not share student records. Learn more about the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and additional information about FERPA for 91原创 students, faculty and staff.

Where can I go and with whom can I speak on issues related to any potential impact of these federal actions?

Resources exist for members of the 91原创 community with questions related to:

Inclusivity and belonging 鈥� vpe-cdo@udel.edu
International study and scholarship 鈥� cgps@udel.edu
Research 鈥� udresearch@udel.edu

Does recent guidance issued by the Department of Education impact what is taught in the classroom?

The Department of Education recently issued a letter and accompanying FAQs to guide university responsibilities in fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all students. At the 91原创, we are committed to these principles. The 91原创 encourages open discussion in the classroom, fosters a respectful learning environment for all students and viewpoints, and values academic freedom. 听Academic freedom means that faculty are free to engage in forms of inquiry and teaching that are professionally competent and ethical, and collectively responsible.听听Both within and outside the classroom, members of the faculty should exhibit the accuracy, restraint, and tolerance for the opinions and ideas of others appropriate to educators and persons of learning.听听Members of the University community are encouraged to exercise their right to free speech and freedom of expression as private citizens outside of the classroom.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

What impact will the recent Executive Orders related to DEI have on University operations and programs?

It鈥檚 still too soon to assess how these Executive Orders will impact the University. In the meantime, we are actively monitoring developments, consulting with peer institutions, local, state, and federal officials, and reviewing new information as it becomes available to better understand the situation.

Should I be changing any of my plans related to meetings or events that are in process?

The University is not requiring cancellation of upcoming events or meetings based on these Executive Orders. If you have concerns or receive agency mandates requiring cancellation, please contact your supervisor or Dean.

Research funding and grants

How are these federal actions impacting research at 91原创?

91原创鈥檚 Research Office has developed that will be updated regularly to provide information, guidance and the latest updates to members of the University鈥檚 research community.

International students, scholars and employees

Are there designated sanctuary spaces on campus?

No. The 2011 policy from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which limited immigration enforcement at certain locations, including educational institutions, has been rescinded.

What documents should international students and scholars keep with them?

International students and scholars are advised to carry or have electronic copies of the following:

The biographical page of their passport
Their most recent I-94 admission record听
A copy of their Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students)

Have there been any SEVIS or visa terminations at 91原创?

The 91原创 has had some Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records or visas terminated, and later restored, by the federal government for 91原创-sponsored visa holders from our campus community. The notifications were sent through the Department of Homeland Security鈥檚 (DHS) automated systems. The University has had no involvement in or advance notice of these decisions.

The specific rationale behind these terminations remains unclear. News reports听 suggest, though we do not have any information to confirm, that recent revocations and terminations are occurring as a result of past law enforcement issues, visa infractions or failure to maintain immigration status, and protest activities. At this time, we are not aware of any 91原创 community members being arrested or detained, nor do we have any awareness of federal law enforcement presence on our campus related to these matters.

DHS has the authority to terminate SEVIS records and visa terminations do occur periodically for various reasons. If the University is notified or becomes aware that a community member鈥檚 visa status has been affected by a federal action, The University conducts outreach and provides information and resources for identifying personal immigration legal services and campus support,听91原创 campus support.

91原创鈥檚 international students, faculty, and staff are valued members of our University community, and the University recognizes the impact these actions have on them and the entire campus community.听 For the most current information, please consult and review the University's Federal Actions Update page and the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS ISSS Announcements page which are updated regularly with new developments and resources as they become available. The University has听also prepared answers to f requently asked questions (April 9 post) about the implications of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations, steps to take if you are affected, and information on sources of support.

Undocumented individuals

What should I do if ICE or federal agents contact me and ask for information about students or staff?

As to University student records, they are protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, unless the University receives a valid court order or subpoena to release them to law-enforcement officers.

What should I do if I become aware of ICE on campus?

If you become aware of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on campus, please听notify University Police and they will听inform听the University鈥檚 Office of the General Counsel, if needed.
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Newark Campus:听听

Please contact University Police at (302) 831-2222 for non-emergency calls.

Other University Campuses (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Lewes):

Please contact University Police at (302) 831-2222 to notify them.
听If you observe something that gives you pause and believe the support of local law enforcement (if not already present) would be helpful, please contact 911 for immediate assistance from local law enforcement.

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