Data Collection Halted
A federal judge in Boston on Friday blocked the Trump administration's efforts to collect data from universities regarding race in admissions. The ruling affects public universities in the 17 states that filed suit.
U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV granted the preliminary injunction after a lawsuit was filed earlier this month by a coalition of Democratic state attorneys general. Trump ordered the data collection after raising concerns that colleges were using personal statements and other methods to consider race, which he believes is illegal discrimination.
"Rushed and Chaotic" Manner
Judge Saylor stated that while the federal government likely has the authority to collect the data, the demand was rolled out to universities in a "rushed and chaotic" manner. He cited the "120-day deadline imposed by the President" as a reason for the failure of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to meaningfully engage with institutions.
Michelle Pascucci, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, told the court that the data was sought in "such a hasty and irresponsible way that it will create problems for universities." She added that the effort seemed aimed at uncovering unlawful practices.
Data Collection Requirements
The National Center for Education Statistics was set to collect new data, including the race and sex of college applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the data, originally due by March 18, must be disaggregated by race and sex and retroactively reported for the past seven years.
The sources also report that Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the data must be disaggregated by race and sex and retroactively reported for the past seven years.
The Education Department defended the effort, arguing that taxpayers deserve transparency on how money is spent at institutions receiving federal funding. The administration's policy mirrors settlement agreements with Brown University and Columbia University, where the universities agreed to provide data on race, GPA, and standardized test scores of applicants and students.
Potential Consequences
If colleges failed to submit timely, complete, and accurate data, McMahon could take action under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which outlines requirements for colleges receiving federal financial aid for students. Harvard stated that it has been responding to the government's requests. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights directed Harvard to comply with data requests within 20 days or face referral to the Justice Department.
The preliminary injunction applies only to public universities in the 17 states that filed suit, blocking the data collection requirements in those states pending final resolution of the case.
The sources also report that the administration threatened Title IV action against non-compliant colleges, a federal aid statute not mentioned in the summary.