What's Happening?
A recent notice published in the Federal Register clarifies that the Trump administration's mandate for colleges to report disaggregated data on applicants applies only to four-year institutions. Colleges that admit all applicants and do not award merit-based
aid are exempt. The mandate requires eligible institutions to submit six years of application and admissions data, disaggregated by race and sex. Community colleges, with smaller staff and resources, expressed concerns about the burden of data collection and reporting.
Why It's Important?
The exemption for open-admission colleges from reporting disaggregated data alleviates potential administrative burdens on these institutions, which often have limited resources. The decision reflects the challenges faced by community colleges in complying with federal mandates, highlighting the need for tailored policies that consider institutional capacities. The exemption may impact how data on race and admissions is collected and analyzed, influencing discussions on diversity and equity in higher education.
