Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions
Summary
This Presidential Memorandum directs the Secretary of Education to enhance transparency in higher education admissions by improving the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). The goal is to ensure that colleges and universities receiving federal funding are not using race as a factor in admissions, which the memo asserts is a violation of civil rights. The memorandum calls for technological upgrades to IPEDS, expanded reporting requirements for institutions, and increased accuracy checks of submitted data.
Expected Effects
The changes will likely lead to increased scrutiny of college admissions processes and potentially deter institutions from using race as a factor, even indirectly. This could result in a shift in the demographic makeup of student bodies at some colleges and universities. The memorandum also aims to provide parents and students with more accessible and understandable data about admissions practices.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in college admissions processes.
- Potentially fairer admissions practices by reducing the likelihood of race-based considerations.
- Improved data quality and accessibility for students and parents.
- Greater accountability for institutions receiving federal funding.
- Reinforcement of civil rights laws regarding equal opportunity.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on colleges and universities.
- Possible legal challenges related to data collection and reporting requirements.
- Risk of unintended consequences, such as discouraging efforts to promote diversity.
- Concerns about the scope of the Secretary of Education's authority to determine "adequate transparency."
- Potential for misinterpretation or misuse of the collected data.
Constitutional Alignment
The memorandum cites the President's authority under the Constitution and laws of the United States. While the Constitution does not explicitly address college admissions, the memorandum's focus on equal opportunity and civil rights aligns with the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. However, the extent to which the federal government can regulate higher education admissions remains a subject of legal debate. The memorandum also avoids creating any enforceable rights, which reduces the risk of legal challenges based on separation of powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).