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On April 23, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order () and directing an “overhaul” of the college accreditation process, stating that universities must maintain accreditation to receive federal financial aid. The EO directs the education secretary to hold accreditors accountable through the “denial, monitoring, suspension, or termination of accreditation recognition [for accrediting bodies], for accreditors’ poor performance or violations of federal civil rights law.” () The EO directs the attorney general and education secretary to “investigate and take action” against higher education institutions that are participating in “unlawful discrimination” (i.e., DEI-based standards). ()

President Trump has said this is an attempt to change the ideological bent of higher education universities, which has raised concerns about the Administration using its executive authority to exert undue influence over universities. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, said in a statement that the President “is weaponizing the accreditation process to gain the leverage he seeks." ()

EOs cannot violate existing federal laws to be implemented, and they can be rescinded or amended by future Presidents. Additionally, this EO likely will be challenged in court, which may impact the scope and implementation of the EO.

91�ε� is closely following this issue and the Administration’s approach to universities. We remain committed to our values of diversity and embracing a multicultural approach. We believe that a diverse counseling workforce is essential to meeting community needs.

For more resources on supporting underserved communities, see our Working with Marginalized Communities page. If you would like to get more involved in 91�ε�’s advocacy efforts or have questions, please contact us at advocacy@counseling.org.