Federal Policy Changes: Updates and Community Conversations

Dear Macalester Community:

As many of you are aware, a flurry of federal policy changes have been issued since January 20. The college’s Senior Leadership Team has been monitoring them closely and working with legal counsel to understand the potential impacts on our campus.

On Friday night (February 14), a “Dear Colleague” letter was sent to Macalester from the US Department of Education. Although this guidance states it “does not have the force and effect of law,” it warns that our federal funding could be withdrawn if we engage in any programs, practices, or customs that, in the view of the Department, could be construed as racially discriminatory. I’m writing because I want you to know what is happening and how we are responding, and to invite you to upcoming community conversations.

First, let me be clear: Macalester will not change who we are or what we stand for. Mac remains committed to its students, employees, and alumni; its mission (which includes a longstanding and special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society); and the foundational imperatives of our strategic plan (which include social responsibility). Every person who chooses to join this community should feel a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose. We are in this together. 

It also is true that we rely on approximately $11M annually in federal funds each year to operate. The majority of these funds are in the form of financial aid for students. It’s critically important that we not put at undue risk the Pell Grants, federal work study funds, or federally-subsidized loans that make a Mac education possible for the approximately 60% of our students who receive need-based aid. Additionally, faculty conduct research with financial support from federal grants. At present, Macalester has 31 active grants from federal agencies, worth more than $2M per year. These grants fund research projects across a number of disciplines that—in many cases—also employ students.

While we are not sure precisely how this “Dear Colleague” letter may affect us, we are not making anticipatory decisions based on assumptions about new requirements that have not yet materialized. This does not mean we are not taking action. We are carefully monitoring court decisions, educating ourselves about new federal pronouncements as they take effect, seeking advice from our legal counsel, and taking concrete steps to support all in our community while protecting our most vulnerable members. As we move forward, it’s important that we uphold our institutional values while not drawing unnecessary attention that could bring harm to members of our community.  

To that end, we are collaborating with organizations such as AAC&U, ACE, ACM, APCU, CIC, MPCC, NAICU, and NADOHE. All of these groups representing higher education institutions have the ability to advocate collectively for our institutional autonomy in ways that individual colleges or universities cannot do on their own.

Next week, following a Strategic Plan Implementation session, I will share information to update all members of the campus community and answer questions. Please join us in the Kagin Ballroom on Thursday, February 27, from 12:30–1:00 p.m. I recognize this time may overlap with lunch breaks, so students on the meal plan are encouraged to pick up to-go meals at Cafe Mac beforehand and bring them to Kagin. 

In addition, we will hold two conversation sessions later that day—one for employees and one for students—to talk about the current challenges we are facing. Faculty and staff are invited to talk with the Provost and the Dean of Faculty in the Campus Center – John B. Davis Lecture Hall at 4:30 p.m., and students are invited to talk with Student Affairs and Institutional Equity personnel in the Weyerhaeuser Boardroom at 5:30 p.m.   

As always, I encourage dialogue, and I welcome your questions and feedback. Feel free to contact me directly.

Onward,

Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera 
President

February 20, 2025