Updates on Recent Federal Orders, Memos, and Agency Guidance

As the federal landscape evolves, Marymount is committed to informing our community about executive orders, memos, and agency guidance that may impact our work and campus life. While many directives are still under evaluation, this page is a central hub for verified updates and relevant resources.

Throughout these changes, Marymount remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where all community members can thrive.

Campus Resources

Campus Contacts

Dolly Garcia, General Counsel
/ 703-526-6962

Donald Jaamal, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Services
/ 703-284-3323

International Student & Scholar Services
  /  703-526-6922

Recent Executive Orders by Topic

Antisemitism

This executive order directs federal agencies to address antisemitic harassment and discrimination in schools and on college campuses. It requires agencies to identify actions to combat antisemitism, review pending civil rights complaints related to post-October 7, 2023 campus incidents, and assess relevant court cases. The Secretaries of State, Education, and Homeland Security must also provide recommendations to help colleges understand grounds for U.S. entry inadmissibility. Marymount is monitoring the situation and evaluating its potential impact.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued guidance interpreting the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard Supreme Court decision as applying beyond admissions to other university policies and programs. The letter states that using race as a factor in areas such as hiring, financial aid, scholarships, housing, and campus activities is prohibited under federal law. It also notes that seemingly neutral programs may still violate the law if motivated by racial considerations. Schools must comply within 14 days or risk the loss of federal funding. Marymount is assessing the potential impact of this guidance.

The administration has issued executive orders addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with several key provisions. Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity directs the Attorney General to recommend measures to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI, in the private sector. It also seeks to classify Title IV-funded institutions as federal subcontractors and directs the Justice and Education departments to issue guidance in line with the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard ruling, expanding its application beyond admissions. Additionally, the order mandates civil compliance investigations of major corporations, nonprofits, and universities with large endowments.

Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing requires federal agencies to terminate “equity-related” grants or contracts and any DEI or DEIA performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees. It also directs agencies to list federal contractors and grantees involved in DEI training or programs since January 20, 2021. Marymount is closely monitoring this situation to identify any potential impact on university offices or contracts related to DEI programs.

International Students, Employees, and Scholars

One executive order enhances vetting for all visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 students, requiring the Departments of State and Homeland Security to ensure applicants do not hold hostile attitudes towards U.S. institutions. These provisions may impact visa processing times and have other implications.

A separate order ends birthright citizenship, affecting individuals born in the U.S. to parents who are temporarily in the country. This order is currently being challenged in court.

The America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State directs the Department of State to align policies and programs with an “America First” approach, which may impact international exchange and study abroad programs funded by the State Department. Marymount is closely monitoring these developments. Individuals with questions should contact International Student & Scholar Services.

Research Funding and Grants

On January 29, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a directive that had temporarily frozen spending on federal grants. Initially issued on January 27, the directive paused all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance and other agency activities potentially impacted by recent executive orders. Following the rescindment, OMB released a clarification document, emphasizing that programs not affected by the executive orders are exempt from the freeze. Marymount is closely monitoring the situation. 

Sex, Gender, and Gender-Affirming Care

The executive order Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports asserts that “women’s sports are reserved for women” and directs the U.S. Department of Education to protect all-female athletic opportunities and locker rooms. The order prioritizes enforcement actions against educational institutions that deny female students equal opportunities by requiring them to compete against or be exposed to males in women’s sports. It also mandates a review of educational program grants, with funding rescinded for non-compliant programs. Additionally, the order directs the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to convene State Attorneys General to identify best practices for defining and enforcing equal opportunities for women. The U.S. Secretary of State is also tasked with encouraging the International Olympic Committee to determine eligibility for athletes based on sex, rather than gender identity. Marymount is currently assessing the potential impact of this order.

The administration has issued two executive orders with significant implications for federal policies. The first, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, asserts that the U.S. recognizes only two sexes—male and female—based on biological classification at birth. The order mandates that all federal agencies use “sex” instead of “gender” in policies and documents, and it prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology.

The second order, Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, states that the U.S. will not fund, sponsor, or support the “transition” of children from one sex to another. It directs federal agencies that provide research or education grants to medical institutions to ensure that these institutions cease the chemical and surgical treatments related to gender transition for children.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance that enforces Title IX with the interpretation of “sex” as the biological characteristic of being male or female. Marymount is assessing the potential impact of these actions.

Undocumented Individuals

This executive order directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to review federal contracts, grants, and agreements with non-governmental organizations providing services to undocumented individuals. It also rescinds the DHS policy that designated schools, hospitals, churches, and college campuses as “sensitive locations” protected from immigration enforcement. Additionally, the Department of Justice has instructed federal prosecutors to pursue charges against state or local officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. Marymount is monitoring the situation.

 

Updated: February 20, 2025