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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.
Federal Issues Tracker
We recognize that members of our community remain interested in the current or potential impacts of various federal actions. Below are the latest updates on key issues as of October 23, 2026.
Issues centered on the university and requiring ongoing attention or response
- Department of Justice:
- On August 12, 2025, GW received a letter concerning DOJ’s investigation of antisemitism at GW. In our response, we sought a meeting with DOJ to present information demonstrating our commitment to preventing antisemitism. On January 6, 2026, this meeting took place, and it afforded GW an opportunity to present the full array of measures the university has undertaken in this regard. Since then the university has not received a substantive update from DOJ to share with the university community.
- DOJ issued a finding that the School of Medicine and Health Sciences intentionally discriminated against Asian and white medical school applicants based on the applicants’ race. President Granberg shared the latest update available in a message on August 28, 2026.
- On August 12, 2025, GW received a letter concerning DOJ’s investigation of antisemitism at GW. In our response, we sought a meeting with DOJ to present information demonstrating our commitment to preventing antisemitism. On January 6, 2026, this meeting took place, and it afforded GW an opportunity to present the full array of measures the university has undertaken in this regard. Since then the university has not received a substantive update from DOJ to share with the university community.
Higher Education
Issues affecting all higher education institutions, with current or potential GW impact
- Department of Homeland Security:
- A proposed rule, Optional Practical Training Fees, would require colleges and universities to pay $70,000 before recommending an international student for initial OPT and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT. GW plans to submit institutional comments objecting to the proposed rule.
- The Student and Exchange Visitor Program has communicated stricter guidance on universities’ authorization of Curricular Practical Training. As a result, GW’s International Services Office has paused authorization of new CPT requests that are not required of all students in an academic degree program.
- A federal court temporarily invalidated a new rule that would limit how long international students could stay in the United States to four years. The current policy is that international students could stay in the U.S. until they complete their studies. GW continues to monitor legal challenges.
- A proposed rule, Optional Practical Training Fees, would require colleges and universities to pay $70,000 before recommending an international student for initial OPT and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT. GW plans to submit institutional comments objecting to the proposed rule.
- Department of Education:
- We are aware of the call to action issued by Secretary McMahon and are currently assessing to what extent GW already fulfills it.
- ED formally rescinded 2024 Title IX regulations, reinstating a 2020 Title IX rule. ED’s rescission does not require changes to GW’s Title IX Policy. Because of a court order that prevented ED from enforcing the 2024 regulations, they never went into effect, and GW’s Title IX Policy does not include provisions that must be changed. The Office of Equal Opportunity offers support and resolution options consistent with our current Title IX Policy and the 2020 Title IX regulations. In addition, through GW's EO Policy, GW prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected characteristic, which includes gender identity or expression.
- We are aware of the call to action issued by Secretary McMahon and are currently assessing to what extent GW already fulfills it.
National
Broader issues with potential for higher education impact
- Internal Revenue Service: We are monitoring the proposed rule recommending an end to federal tax-exempt status for private schools that engage in racial discrimination.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: We are monitoring enforcement actions against universities after EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas sent letters to hundreds of the country’s largest employers reminding them of their obligations under Title VII related to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programs.
- Department of Homeland Security: The White House released a Presidential Proclamation in 2025 announcing restrictions on the entry of new H-1B workers into the U.S., unless they pay $100,000 to the U.S. government. Several lawsuits challenged the proclamation, and the fee was invalidated. Afterwards, the White House proposed regulations that would impose a $103,265 fee, stating that the fee would be used to offset immigration-related costs. GW continues to monitor the legal challenges.
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.
Can’t find the information or resource you need? federal [dot] update
gwu [dot] edu (Contact) the Federal Update team.