Updates on Recent Federal Executive Actions & BOR Motion Implementation

March 21, 2025

The News: This week, President Pitney shared updates with the UA Community on the changing federal landscape, as well as ongoing efforts to implement the Board of Regent’s motion on DEI.

Read President Pitney’s Messages here:

Recent major federal actions include:

  • The Department of Education announcing that as many as half of their employees will be laid off in the coming months.
  • An executive order signed yesterday directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to dismantle that department. Closing a federal department requires an act of Congress, and the EO acknowledges that fact.

President Pitney also provided additional information on the implementation of the Board’s recent DEI motion, including: 

  • Steps currently being taken to modify institutional language
  • Steps that are not being taken or considered as a part of implementing the Board’s motion

The Bottom Line: As the federal landscape changes, we’ll continue to keep students, staff, and faculty as up-to-date as possible. For the latest information and updates on federal executive actions and their potential impact on UA, visit alaska.edu/govrelations/federal/grants.php