This page is a resource for students, faculty, and staff summarizing federal news and policy changes and updates.
Latest Updates
- April 22, 2025 - Chancellor Suárez-Orozco has joined higher education leaders across the country in endorsing a statement that calls for constructive engagement in response to ongoing government intrusion into higher education.
- April 17, 2025 - As part of the Campus Update, Chancellor Suárez-Orozco addressed the recent revocation of student visas with a reflection on his own experience fleeing political repression in Argentina. He reaffirmed UMass Boston’s commitment to supporting international students and detailed a comprehensive framework of legal, academic, and emotional support for those affected.
Immigration & Travel
- April 5, 2025 — Chancellor Suárez-Orozco has written to the campus community regarding immigration actions affecting individuals on UMass Boston-sponsored visas.
- April 3, 2025 — The UMass President's Office will host a "Know Your Rights" webinar on Friday, April 4, at 3 p.m. for students, faculty, and staff. The presentation features Chief Operating Officer for the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants Susan Church and immigration attorney Elizabeth Goss of Goss Associates LLC. (A UMass login is required for registration.)
- March 31, 2025 —The university reminds all community members to review traveler information from the Office of Global Programs before travel.
- February 26, 2025 —The Office of General Counsel has issued updated employee guidance on responding to visits or inquiries by government agents or law enforcement officers.
- February 12, 2025 — UMass hosted a webinar, “Know Your Rights” for students, faculty, and staff with Susan Church, JD, Chief Operating Officer for the Office of Refugees and Immigrants for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Use the passcode =&QUbv+6.
- February 6, 2025 —The Office of General Counsel has provided an FAQ for faculty and staff related to visits or requests from local, state, and federal law enforcement or government representatives on University of Massachusetts property.
- January 30, 2025 - Information for immigrant students and Massachusetts colleges and universities on immigration enforcement from Mass Attorney General.
- January 28, 2025— The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has shared guidance to public colleges and universities related to immigration, including advice on responding to immigration officers.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
- March 5, 2025 —The Attorney General of Massachusetts has issued guidance to ensure K-12 schools, colleges, and universities across the nation understand the legality, viability, and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies and practices in education.
- February 27, 2025 — Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell have issued joint guidance affirming their commitment to equal access to education in Massachusetts.
- February 21, 2025 — The UMass President's Office has issued guidance regarding DEI activities in preparation for a future legal directive from the USDOE.
- February 21, 2025 — A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction largely blocking executive orders that seek to end government support for DEI programs.
- February 13, 2025 — AG Campbell issues multi-state guidance concerning DEIA employment initiatives.
- January 31, 2025— AG Campbell Issues Joint Statement On President Trump's Executive Orders Dismantling DEIA Initiatives.
Civil Rights & Title IX
- March 3, 2025 — The US Department of Education has issued an FAQ about racial preferences and stereotypes under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
- February 11, 2025 — The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX shares updates about the UMass Boston Title IX Policy.
- January 31, 2025 - US Dept of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will enforce Title IX under the provisions of the 2020 Title IX Rule, rather than the recently invalidated 2024 Title IX Rule.
Research
- April 4, 2025 — The Attorney General of Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal administration's attempt to disrupt grant funding issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- February 10, 2025 — AG Campbell Sues Trump Administration For Defunding Medical And Public Health Innovation Research.
- February 2, 2025 - The UMass President’s Office has issued guidance regarding grant-funded operations.
- January 29, 2025— The White House has rescinded the order freezing federal assistance, including research funding.
Government Shutdown & University Leadership Statement
- March 13, 2025—Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and Provost Joseph Berger offer guidance and support to the campus community on the eve of possible government shutdown, which was later averted.