Home
Federal Updates
The George Washington University continues to monitor the evolving federal landscape. Many members of our community have raised valid questions and concerns about recent government actions and their impacts on GW and higher education broadly. While we continue to follow all applicable federal and state laws, we are committed to doing everything possible to protect our community. This website serves as a centralized hub for sharing timely information, resources, and support for our students, faculty, researchers and staff.
Key Information and Resources
Federal Update Newsletters
The latest updates about federal actions and GW’s response to issues impacting us.
Resources
One-stop page for information and services GW is providing to the university community.
FAQs
Responses to common questions the university has received about federal actions.
Safety
Tips for staying safe and how to receive timely safety alerts from GW.
International Services Office
Dedicated support and guidance specifically for international community members.
Office of Sponsored Projects
Researchers’ primary source of information related to federal actions impacting research.
Impact of the Government Shutdown
Latest GW Update: We recognize that this ongoing situation is creating stress and uncertainty for many members of the GW community, including those who rely on federal programs, research funding, or family income connected to government employment. GW will continue to monitor developments closely and remains committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff throughout this period.
- Broader Context
Despite continued debate on Capitol Hill, the Senate once again rejected the House-passed stopgap bill to fund the government through November 21, marking the 13th unsuccessful attempt to advance a proposal to reopen federal operations. Most Democratic senators have maintained that they will not support reopening until a bipartisan agreement is reached on Affordable Care Act tax credits, which are set to expire soon. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers’ union, has called on Congress to end the shutdown immediately. The national impacts are expected to grow more severe, with military paychecks delayed and SNAP benefits projected to lapse.
- Resources
Students in need of support can access wellbeing resources or students
gwu [dot] edu (contact) the Division for Student Affairs. Faculty and staff can access the Employee Assistance Program, and researchers can askovprgwu [dot] edu (contact) OVPR for updates related to federally funded projects.
Additional Federal Personnel on Campus
Latest GW Update: We are aware that National Guard members have been more visible on campus, and we recognize the concerns some members of our community have raised about their sense of personal safety. GW has not requested the Guard’s presence on campus. It also is important to keep in mind that the public streets and sidewalks that run through GW’s campus fall under local and federal authority, but only authorized university community members are allowed to access campus buildings that require GWorld access. The university maintains communication with National Guard leadership and has discussed the distinction between public and private property. In instances where National Guard members have entered campus private property, they have left immediately upon the direction of university officials.
- Broader Context
A lawsuit challenging the National Guard’s presence in Washington, D.C., is ongoing. Recently, a federal judge heard arguments on whether to order the withdrawal of more than 2,000 National Guard troops currently stationed in the District but made no ruling. The hearing stems from a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who argues that the Guard’s continued deployment—authorized under a presidential emergency declaration issued in August—violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Although the emergency period formally ended in September, more than 2,200 members of the Guard remain, with court filings suggesting preparations for an extended deployment into next summer.
- Resources
GW community members with concerns or questions about safety are encouraged to review our resources page or federal [dot] update
gwu [dot] edu (contact us) for additional guidance.
Status of GW Discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice
Latest GW Update: In August, GW received the Department of Justice’s letter with its findings regarding GW’s response to antisemitism on campus. We responded by requesting a meeting to discuss the findings and engage in constructive dialogue; no meeting has taken place to date. In the meantime, we are consulting with our trustees and faculty experts, and we will update the community as we can.
- Broader Context
In recent months, the Department of Justice has initiated investigations of several universities across the country for allegations of antisemitism on campus. Based on media reports, these investigations are proceeding on differing timelines depending on the university.
- Resources
GW does not tolerate antisemitism and continues efforts to support our Jewish community. Resources are available on the Jewish Life at GW website and any member of the community may report discrimination, harassment and retaliation to the centralized Office of Access and Opportunity.
State of Inclusion Efforts on Campus
Latest GW Update: GW’s Office of General Counsel is working with outside counsel to understand applicable law, particularly civil rights and anti-discrimination laws in the higher education context, and to validate that our current programs meet these standards. Those legal assessments will be shared with a group of senior administrators, including leadership from the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) and representatives from the campus community, who will be charged with evaluating them and offering advice to leadership as to how we best maintain our commitment to full inclusion and equal opportunity within the bounds of the law. We will share updates with the community as this process unfolds.
- Broader Context
Various laws, executive orders, or other federal actions aim to alter or roll back diversity, equity or inclusion efforts and could impact whether organizations such as GW or other higher education institutions are eligible for federal funding.
- Resources
GW is working to maintain our commitment to a campus that is fully inclusive and welcoming to all. ODECE offers resources and bias incident support services and the university promptly reviews reports of discrimination and harassment via the centralized Office of Access and Opportunity.
State of Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech on Campus
Latest GW Update: The university continues to defend and protect academic freedom and freedom of expression, which are foundational to GW’s mission. GW is committed to creating spaces where members of our community can bring rigor, evidence, and respect as they confront ideas that may challenge or discomfort them while following GW’s policies.
- Broader Context
In today’s deeply polarized climate, academic freedom and freedom of expression have been tested on campuses across the country as students and other university community members grapple with challenging issues. The Trump Administration has threatened to restrict free speech in some cases, e.g., in taking actions against noncitizens with certain points of view or revoking federal funding due to the content taught within an academic department.
- Resources
GW’s guidelines for exercising and defending academic freedom are clearly defined, and the university also offers a website with FAQs addressing the importance of freedom of expression as well as its limits, including time, place and manner guidelines and likely permitted and prohibited activities.
Ask a Question
Can’t find the information or resource you need? federal [dot] updategwu [dot] edu (Contact) the Federal Update team.