The Future of the Education Department's Civil Rights Investigations

​Aired June 22, 2026

The Department of Education (ED) is shifting civil rights investigations to the Department of Justice, a move that undermines the resolution-focused approach to resolving complaints that has supported students and campuses for decades.

The dotEDU hosts break down the latest move to dismantle ED, along with updates on the House FY 2027 spending bill, changes to the rules for how federal grants are awarded, and more.


Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

U.S. Department of Education Announces Additional Partnerships to Strengthen Coordination for Individuals with Disabilities Programs, Bolster Civil Rights Enforcement

Education Dept. Plans to Move Special Ed and Civil Rights Out of the Agency
The Washington Post | June 16, 2026

Committee Approves FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2027

Higher Education Faces New Spending Limits as House Appropriations Bill Advances
ACE | June 15, 2026

House Republicans Aim to Override Trump’s Loan Limit Regulations
Inside Higher Ed | June 12, 2026

Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance

Office of Management and Budget Government-Wide Regulations for Federal Financial Assistance
ACE | June 2, 2026

Judge Blocks USCIS Pause, but International Students Remain in Limbo​
Inside Higher Ed | June 16, 2026

Transcript
​Transcript to come
About the Podcast

​Each episode of dotEDU presents a deep dive into a major public policy issue impacting college campuses and students across the country. Hosts from ACE are joined by guest experts to lead you through thought-provoking conversations on topics such as campus free speech, diversity in admissions, college costs and affordability, and more. Find all episodes of the podcast at the dotEDU page.

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