The JASON Report was released yesterday, December 11th. The NSF has hired JASON, an independent science advisory group, to “enhance the agency’s understanding of the threats to basic research posed by foreign governments that have taken actions that violate the principles of scientific ethics and research integrity.” The report details numerous recommendations, including greater scrutiny over conflicts of interest, stricter disclosure rules, and better education for researchers on scientific ethics. The full report can be read here.
News and updates
Education Dept. Considering Financial Aid Changes
At a conference in Reno, NV the Department of Education revealed that they are considering some significant changes to student financial aid. The first is that they would give colleges the authority to limit how much debt a student takes on. This would be done at “experimental” college sites. They claim this would shift some of the burden from the federal government onto colleges. Additionally, they are proposing changes which would allow debt to be converted into an income-share agreement or other private, third-party mechanism. A student could potentially end up owing a percentage of future earnings to a third-party, rather than directly to the Department of Education. They also want to introduce “incentives” for students who progress quickly through their program. While the specifics are still murky, we will continue to monitor the situation.
What We’re Reading this Week (December 2nd-6th)
Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team has read this week:
Bipartisan Deal on FUTURE Act: The Senate has passed bipartisan legislation which will permanently fund HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) as well as simplify the FAFSA and income verification for loan repayment. The deal was reached between Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA). More at Inside Higher Ed.
Department of Education Revamping Tech: The Department of Education announced that it will attempt to simplify processes for students to obtain information, such as consolidating websites and phone numbers, and launching a virtual chatbot to answer FAQs. Read on at Edsurge.
Impeachment Proceedings: This week Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi instructed the House committees investigating President Trump to draw up articles of impeachment. This signals the beginning of votes on impeachment. Meanwhile, the White House continues to refuse to participate in hearings. More at Roll Call.
Trump Administration Accused of Removing Protections for Transgender Persons: From the Army to the Department of Health and Human Services, many transgender public servants are complaining that protections are being rolled back in the Trump Administration. The White House contends that this is not due to intolerance, but correcting Presidential overreach during the Obama Administration. More at New York Times.
New Energy Secretary Confirmed
The Senate confirmed yesterday Dan Brouillette as the new Energy Secretary. Brouillette takes over from Rick Perry, whose resignation became effective Sunday evening. Before being confirmed for his new role, he served under Perry as the Deputy Secretary of Energy.
Report Finds Education Dept. Accelerating Civil Rights Cases
A new report from the US Commission on Civil Rights found that under the Trump Administration, the Department of Education is accelerating the rate at which it closes civil rights cases. Although the time to resolve cases decreased, the Department also reduced the scope of investigations, and less investigations result in findings of civil rights violation or corrective action. The full report, which encompasses several federal agencies, can be found here.