Jackson College Announces Response to Federal Directives

(March 14, 2025 5:22 PM ET) Jackson College has undertaken a number of important updates to its institutional practices and programs resulting from recent federal directives, including Executive Orders from President Donald Trump, a Dear Colleague Letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, and related guidance documents. The College, via the College’s General Counsel, notified the Office of Civil Rights of the College’s required compliance by February 28, 2025.

These updates follow a careful review by the College’s legal counsel and are further informed by meetings with federal officials and elected members of Congress in Washington DC by Jackson College Trustees and the President. The College is navigating the rapidly changing federal landscape with not only the lens of meeting its fiduciary responsibilities and managing the real risk of a potential loss of $20 million in federal funding for noncompliance, but more importantly the deeply rooted commitment to the open access of community colleges and the need to help all students succeed.

“Jackson College remains deeply committed to providing the support and resources necessary for each student’s success, recognizing that individuals begin their educational journeys from different starting points,” said President Daniel J. Phelan. “Although programming specifically designed for particular groups will no longer be offered, our ongoing efforts will ensure every student continues to receive personalized attention, resources, and opportunities tailored to their unique circumstances, lived experiences, and challenges.”

Key updates at the College include:

– The former Woodrow Wilson, Jr. Multicultural Center has been renamed the Woodrow Wilson Jr. Student Center and will serve as an active hub for student engagement, leadership opportunities, student life, and community-building activities open to all Jackson College students.

– Jackson College will continue to hold two official commencement ceremonies in May to promote unity among all graduates. Students who previously participated in the separate Kente cultural ceremonies will continue to join this official college-wide event.

– The Men of Merit and Sisters of Strength student groups will transition to become student-sponsored organizations (SSOs), independently managed and funded by the student groups themselves. They will have the opportunity to request support from the College’s Student Government Association (SGA) for programming that benefits and is inclusive of all students.

– Due to these adjustments, only two full-time staff members were impacted by these changes. Both were offered alternative full-time positions at Jackson College or the option of a generous severance package. Both staff members chose the severance packages. Additionally, three temporary, and one permanent part-time employee(s) also had their work impacted but have been likewise offered another position at the College or a severance package, and we are awaiting their decision.

– Lastly, a number of curricular, syllabus, course material and webpage modifications were made to ensure the discontinuation of references to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Jackson College recognizes that these recent changes represent a significant shift in the College’s approach to working with students. However, President Phelan emphasized, “Our dedication to fairness and the personalized success of every student remains unchanged. We will continue addressing students’ distinct needs to ensure equal opportunities for success.”