Rapid Response
The University of Minnesota is closely monitoring and responding to federal actions, including Executive Orders and policy changes that affect higher education. We are assessing the impact of these developments on our operations, and remain fully committed to supporting the success of our students, faculty and staff to ensure that the University continues to thrive. We also continue to work with and uplift the work of higher education associations — AAU, APLU, and others — to address the legality of federal directives that impact our public service mission. View AAU’s statement.
Information by topic
Federal Enforcement in Minnesota
The Federal Enforcement in Minnesota page includes information about:
- Witnessing federal law enforcement on campus
- If contacted by federal law enforcement
- Campus security
- Classroom instruction
- University messages
- Resources
Federal Immigration Policies
The Federal Immigration Policies page includes information about:
- FAQs
- Resources
- University Support for Those Affected by Immigration Policy
Department of Education
On November 18, 2025, the federal government announced the transfer of some of the Department of Education's functions to other agencies, effectively dismantling significant portions of the department. Those functions will be overseen through contract arrangements with the Departments of State, Interior, Labor, and Health & Human Services. We will monitor the implementation of this change and update the community on its impacts as more information becomes known.
On August 7, 2025, a presidential memo was announced calling for higher education institutions that receive federal financial assistance to expand the scope of their admissions data reporting to the Department of Education. The University is assessing the impact the memo will have on how it reports its admissions data, both in the short and long term, and will update the community as more information becomes available. The University maintains consistent academic standards across all of its applicants, and is committed to ensuring access to its world-class educational opportunities for all qualified students.
In addition, the administration issued an Executive Order indicating that federal funds will be withheld from higher ed institutions with a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The University does not require COVID-19 vaccination for the vast majority of students, with limited exceptions existing within medical education to complete rotations or clinical training in hospitals.
Other immunization requirements are not affected by this Executive Order.
Resources
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Resources
- Find more information about the University’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
- Find localized, campus-specific resources systemwide for students, faculty, and staff.
- The University’s Administrative Policy on Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns provides, among other things, that university members may access restrooms and use pronouns that correspond with their gender identities.
- The University’s Administrative Policy on Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and other protected characteristics.
- Community members who believe they have experienced discrimination or have questions about these university policies should contact their campus Equal Opportunity Office.
The Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, and education based on race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.
A note on events: Events and programs must advertise as open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics.
Research Funding
Resources
Support
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