The purpose of this webpage is to provide timely information on how AACC is planning and responding to federally mandated changes under the new presidential administration. While the full effect of executive actions on higher education institutions continues to unfold, the college is committed to ensuring that all members of our community have access to accurate information and the assistance they need.
The college will post responses, information and resources to this page when available. We encourage our students, faculty and staff to check back often for updates as we review executive orders and other directives from the federal government to identify any immediate or long-term impact on the college.
On January 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded guidelines that had been in place since 2011 directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to refrain from immigration enforcement actions in certain “Sensitive Locations.” These locations included healthcare facilities; places of worship; places where children gather; social services establishments; disaster/emergency response sites; weddings, funerals, and religious ceremonies; parades, demonstrations, and rallies; and schools (including institutions of higher education). This means that ICE officials are no longer restricted by DHS policy from enforcing immigration laws at AACC and other Maryland educational institutions.
While this change in enforcement policy may understandably cause alarm and confusion in our community, it is important to remember that ICE is a federal law enforcement agency subject to federal law and the Constitution of the United States, and ICE officials are required to respect and abide by the constitutional rights of all students and employees. Below are helpful tips for faculty and staff in the unlikely, but possible, event that ICE comes to AACC to ask for information, request access to AACC property, or enforce immigration laws:
In summary, the advice is neither to “Resist” nor “Respond,” but instead to “Refer” to DPSP. As a reminder, our College’s mission, vision, and values will guide our work as we navigate a potentially changing landscape. The situation is undeniably alarming, and it is yet to be seen whether and to what extent ICE will take enforcement action at previously designated “Sensitive Areas” such as institutions of higher education. The College will consistently monitor for developments.
We are committed to ensuring that all members of our community have access to accurate information and the assistance they need.
Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Late on February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued a letter to “clarify and reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.”
This Dear Colleague letter describes an interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which clarified that the use of racial preferences in college admissions is unlawful. While that decision applied specifically to admissions, the current administration believes it extends to all race-conscious decisions pertaining to all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life and states that OCR expects compliance within 14 days.
As we have seen with other federal directives and interpretations of existing laws and statutes, we expect legal challenges in the coming days. Also, we have seen how some directives have been rescinded. While the language in this communication may be deeply troubling, please keep in mind that laws and statutes continually require interpretation and legal guidance.
For that reason, we are assessing the letter thoroughly to determine how we will navigate these new requirements. As a reminder, our college’s mission, vision and values continue to guide our work as we move ahead.
We will share additional guidance and information as it becomes available.
I want to acknowledge both the pace and frequency of these federal regulations and orders. No doubt, this level of change can feel disruptive and disturbing as we seek to serve all of our students. With that in mind, I want to remind you of the many support services and resources available for our students and each of you:
The College will continue to monitor for new developments. We remain committed to ensuring that all members of our community have access to accurate information and the assistance they need.
Thank you for your continued patience as we assess our best way forward, and thank you for all that you do for our students and community.
Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
The Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" on Feb.14, 2025, that sets forth its interpretation of the nondiscrimination obligations of universities and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.
This Dear Colleague letter describes an interpretation of the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which clarified that the use of racial preferences in college admissions is unlawful. While that decision applied specifically to admissions, the current administration believes it extends to all race-conscious decisions pertaining to all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life and states that OCR expects compliance within 14 days.
We are assessing the letter thoroughly to determine how we will navigate these new requirements. As a reminder, our college’s mission, vision and values continue to guide our work as we move ahead.
A Jan. 27, 2025 federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo directed a pause on many types of federal spending, including research grants and contracts. The memo’s stated purpose was to allow federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of programs that may be affected by executive orders. On Jan. 29, 2025, the OMB rescinded the memo.
On Jan. 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded guidelines that had been in place since 2011 directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to refrain from immigration enforcement actions in certain “Sensitive Locations.” This means that ICE officials are no longer restricted by DHS policy from enforcing immigration laws at AACC and other Maryland educational institutions.
If approached by an ICE official at AACC for any reason, immediately contact the AACC Department of Public Safety and Police (DPSP) at 410-777-1818. They will work with our General Counsel to determine next steps.