AASCU Federal Highlights – August 2026

ED Sends Letter to Universities Calling for Institutional Changes

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) sent a call to action letter from Secretary Linda McMahon to university presidents and governing boards, urging them to publicly commit to a series of institutional changes. The letter, which was also issued publicly, calls on institutions to address the following areas:

1. Transparency and merit in admissions
2. Free speech and open inquiry
3. Intellectual pluralism and academic vitality
4. Affordability, value, and student outcomes
5. Academic standards and rigor in the age of artificial intelligence
6. Safeguarding research integrity from malign foreign influence and
7. Prioritizing American interests

The Secretary also requested that every postsecondary institution issue a clear public statement by the end of 2026, outlining its commitment to implementing reforms that "rebuild public confidence and trust." While not a formal directive, critics suggest that this call to action bears similarities to an earlier letter, the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, issued in October 2025. Unlike that compact agreement issued by the Department last year, Secretary McMahon's call to action does not specify any consequences for noncompliance.

Campus leaders will have the remainder of the year to decide how to respond. Regional public universities (RPUs), intrinsically guided by many of the principles listed above, are among the strongest engines of socio-economic opportunity. Our sector consistently delivers some of the highest value for students, communities, employers, and taxpayers. With this in mind, AASCU is currently gathering additional information about the request and will provide guidance, as appropriate, to inform your response or action. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please reach out to us at [email protected].