Information Regarding Federal Actions
Latest Updates
April 9 and 10, 2025 — Know Your Rights 2.0 Webinar: Susan Church, Chief Operating Officer for the Commonwealth’s Office for Refugees and Immigrants, gives an updated presentation on interaction with Immigration Customs Enforcement officers, recent changes in immigration law impacting immigrant students, and understanding the risk of advocacy .
March 20, 2025 —White House Calls for an End to the Department of Education but Acknowledges Congressional Action is Needed; ACCT calls on U.S. Congress to continue federal investments in community colleges. Read it here
February 27, 2025 — Massachusetts Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Issue Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education in Massachusetts.
A copy of that guidance can be found here.
February 25, 2025 — In response to the Dear Colleague Letter, and on behalf of more than 80 higher education associations, the American Council on Education (ACE) has written a letter to Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.
February 21, 2025 — Federal judge issues preliminary injunction regarding implementation of DEI Executive Orders. An Associated Press article about this lawsuit and the decision can be found here.
February 14, 2025 — Dear Colleague Letter is sent to educational institutions receiving federal funds by Craig Trainor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education
February 13, 2025 — Attorney General Campbell of Massachusetts Issues Guidance For Businesses On Diversity, Equity, Inclusion And Accessibility Employment Initiatives In The Workplace. Read the guidance here.
February 13, 2025 — A free immigration presentation for students, faculty, and staff featuring Attorney Susan Church, Chief Operating Officer of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants
was presented Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The replays can be found below:
February 10, 2025 — The Attorney General of Massachusetts has issued a joint statement addressing executive orders dismantling DEIA initiatives.
January 29, 2025 — White House rescinds order freezing federal assistance, including research funding. Read the Politico article here.
January 28, 2025 — The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has shared guidance to public colleges and universities related to immigration, including advice on responding to immigration officers.
Additional reading:
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) has provided a toolkit and resources on their website, which can be found here.
Our state’s flagship institution of higher education, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has published this page on Federal Actions, where additional information is available.
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FEDERAL ACTIONS
Holyoke Community College is dedicated to maintaining an environment in which all members of our campus community feel safe, supported, and encouraged to actively pursue their educational and professional goals. This remains our priority always. We are committed to protecting students, faculty, and staff, particularly in light of Executive Orders and the rapidly changing federal landscape.
This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice or opinion. Individuals should consult with legal counsel about specific concerns.
Although the landscape is changeable, the following is guidance based on current knowledge. The top areas of concern related to our work with students are:
- Federal grant aid (Pell), student loans, and SNAP benefits
- Immigrant students
- Transgender students, faculty, and staff
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other federal and state laws, the College will not disclose non-directory information of any student except where FERPA requires or allows disclosure without consent. Employee records also are confidential and protected under state law.
Federal Grant Aid
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance to pause certain federal funds relative to recent Executive Orders. Pell grants, student loans, rental assistance, and SNAP benefits are not paused, nor is "any program that provides direct benefits to Americans ..." (OMB Q&A M-25-13). The White House has now rescinded the original order.
Immigrant Students
The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has provided guidance to the Commonwealth’s public and private institutions of higher education, addressing some issues that may affect immigrant students, including those who are undocumented or have been granted temporary legal protection. Read the advisory here.
"Neither federal law nor Massachusetts law prohibits the admission or enrollment of undocumented immigrants [at HCC], nor are there any legal restrictions on an undocumented student's ability to fully participate in the campus community and extracurricular programs." (Higher Ed Guidance.AGO2025)
Faculty and staff should:
- provide clear and accurate information to immigrant students and their families.
- Assure our community that HCC support services are available to all students, regardless of immigration status.
- Make sure immigrant students know their rights. Read more from the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition here.
Transgender students, faculty, and staff
"...No executive action can change the fundamental truth that transgender people are vital members of our families and communities. Like all people, transgender people deserve dignity, respect, and the freedom to live without fear of government-sanctioned harm." Ricardo Martinez, Executive Director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD Law).
- In Massachusetts, you are protected from discrimination based on gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Read more here.
- Title IX is a federal law that bans sex discrimination in schools. This law still stands regardless of any Executive Order.
- Learn more about your rights here.
This page will be updated as information becomes available.
