The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has asked the Education Department to clarify whether federal student financial aid programs are linked to “gender ideology” or support undocumented immigrants.
In Washington, students felt relieved on Tuesday after learning that direct student loans and Pell Grants will continue despite a federal funding pause ordered by President Donald Trump. The Department of Education confirmed that these specific forms of assistance would not be affected.
The White House issued a memo instructing federal agencies to pause activities related to federal financial assistance. This announcement caused confusion and concern among government officials and the public as the 5 p.m. deadline approached for freezing certain funds.
Madison Biedermann, an Education Department official, reassured the public that loans and grants directly received by students would remain unaffected. These programs, which help low-income students afford college, are part of a broad review ordered by the Trump administration to ensure compliance with new executive orders.
Federal officials must provide answers by February 7 to questions about whether certain programs help undocumented immigrants or promote concepts like “gender ideology.” This review includes various federal funding streams, even those supporting K-12 education, such as Title I funding meant for low-income school districts. However, the Education Department confirmed that Title I grants and special education funding remain intact.
Colleges and universities are facing uncertainty as they navigate these changes. Jon Fansmith, an education advocate, expressed concern, stating, “This is unprecedented. It is harmful.”
The pause has raised alarms among educators. The heads of teachers’ unions have criticized the decision as “unprecedented,” “illegal,” and “reckless,” questioning the rationale behind it.
While the Education Department didn’t provide a full list of paused funding, they stated they are working to clarify which programs remain unaffected. This situation leaves many educators and students anxious about the future of federal support.
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