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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: The federal government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history. Lawmakers in both parties continue to hold informal discussions on a potential deal to reopen the government, with discussions centered on funding levels and health care-related provisions. Senate Democrats have renewed calls for an agreement addressing rising health care costs, while a bipartisan group of senators is exploring options to end the shutdown, finalize full-year fiscal 2026 appropriations, and schedule votes on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
- Broader Context
The shutdown has created uncertainty for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to more than 42 million Americans, including many college students. Following federal court orders, the Trump administration announced it will release partial SNAP benefits, though the funding is expected to cover only about half of normal payments.
- Resources
Students in need of support can access wellbeing resources or students
gwu [dot] edu (contact) the Division for Student Affairs. Also, if you are a GW student impacted by SNAP benefit delays or experiencing food insecurity, GW’s on-campus food pantry offers free access to fresh food, dry goods, and hygiene items in a safe and welcoming environment. Find more information on The Store’s website. 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. Recently, the university installed signage indicating restricted access in many areas of the University Student Center, which aims to provide students with a greater sense of safety and security as we have heard concerns about the recent increase in federal personnel near campus.
- 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: The university’s Federal Matters Working Group recently gathered for its first meeting. The working group—comprising faculty and members of the administration and Office of General Counsel—is charged with providing input on GW’s possible responses to issues recently raised by the federal government in its resolution agreements with other universities. This work is highly sensitive and consequently is under attorney-client privilege, which is a new level of involvement for faculty at GW and allows the university to benefit from those with particular expertise.
The working group was formed in response to findings made by the U.S. Department of Justice, as shared previously, regarding its investigation of allegations of antisemitism on the university's campus. The findings primarily focus on the Spring 2024 encampment on University Yard. We were not asked to answer any specific questions or provide any information in relation to this investigation. We have responded to the DOJ that we are willing to meet with them to discuss their conclusion and potential next steps, and we are now waiting to hear back from them.
- 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.