Federal policy updates

Last updated: 9:10 a.m., March 1, 2025

We are closely evaluating and monitoring changes in federal policies and the possible impacts they could have on members of our community and our teaching, research, service and patient care. This is a fluid situation, and we continue to evaluate how to deal with various scenarios, including executive orders issued by President Donald J. Trump and related court rulings. While our planning is constant, any actual adjustments to our activities will be based on specific information rather than speculation on our compliance responsibilities.

We are committed to supporting our community while navigating this uncertain terrain. While we await additional information from federal agencies, we remain in compliance with state and federal laws that guide our programs. We will continue activities as planned until or unless we are notified differently. We also remain in close contact with the Washington Attorney General’s Office to ensure the important work we do in the service of access and excellence is protected to the full extent allowable by law.

In addition to the resources below, there is also a site with updates on federal policies that may affect UW Medicine. (UW NetID required)

University messages and posts

Feb. 26, 2025: Provost Serio addresses federal issues in her annual town hall remarks and Q&A (Video)

Feb. 12, 2025: In an uncertain environment, we are working constantly and carefully to protect research (Presidential blog post)

Jan. 27, 2025: Our mission and values will guide us through changing times (Presidential message)

Research

Section updated Feb. 28, 2025
We remain highly concerned and are closely monitoring potential changes to how federal grants may be awarded, administered, amended and/or discontinued.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a 15% cap on “indirect costs,” which are the Facilities and Administration (F&A) costs through which universities, hospitals and research centers recover expenses incurred while conducting research. These costs can be complex to calculate and include lab infrastructure, utilities, communications platforms, IT support, building maintenance, HR and payroll services, compliance officers, reporting officers and purchasing departments, among other necessities that are vital to conducting research.

We partnered with the Washington Attorney General’s Office to support the lawsuit filed Feb. 10 in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. That same day, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on the implementation of this proposed cap, which on Feb. 21 was extended pending a ruling on an injunction. We are also working closely with our state and federal partners on the broader impacts of this type of change in federal policy. We will continue to provides updates as they are available.

A hold on the National Institutes of Health posting required notices in the Federal Register has affected the agency’s ability to award new grants and issue additional funding for ongoing grants. On Feb. 26, it was reported that the NIH has partially lifted that hold and will “begin sending notices incrementally to the Office of the Federal Register to advertise meetings of scientific review groups/study sections and begin their resumption,” however those notices have not been posted as of this writing. This is an area of significant concern for the University that we are monitoring closely, including when the agency will resume other meetings necessary for the awarding of grants, such as meetings of advisory councils. There are also ongoing reviews by federal agencies of specific grants that may result in grant pauses or cancellations.

There was also a broader freeze on federal disbursements issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Jan. 27. That OMB order was rescinded by the administration on Jan. 29 and is also the subject of two federal court orders, which may also apply to similar executive orders pausing federal spending.

Even with these court actions, pauses and stop work orders on some grants are impacting employees and operations. This includes instances in which the UW has received a sub-award and the state, agency or institution that is the primary award recipient is choosing to suspend or stop work. The Office of Research, UW Human Resources, Attorney General’s Office and other offices are working directly with relevant unit heads, principal investigators and staff.

International students and scholars

A presidential executive order issued on Jan. 20 has directed a review of federal visa policies around countries or regions determined to pose security risks. The outcome of that review is expected in late winter.

In addition to that order, an executive order issued on Jan. 29 related to Title VI enforcement and antisemitism has caused concern that individuals’ visas could be revoked, including based on political views or actions. Like the other orders issued by the new presidential administration, it directs federal agencies to issue further guidance, in this case within 60 days.

These measures are under active review by the University and more information will be provided when available. The Office of Global Affairs has compiled resources for international students and scholars and the offices serving international students on each campus are also available to provide information.

Immigration

Increased federal immigration enforcement actions have raised concerns among members of the UW community. Washington state law prohibits the sharing of information or use of state resources, including University resources, to target Washington residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration, citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, except to otherwise comply with state or federal law. In addition, most student information is protected by federal law (FERPA).

While immigration officials cannot enter a classroom, laboratory, campus residence or private office without an appropriate warrant or judicial order, we are not legally permitted to prevent federal immigration officials from coming into the public spaces of a UW campus or facility. And there might be instances when we will be required to respond to valid warrants or judicial orders.

If immigration officials come to your classroom, laboratory, campus residence or office, you must immediately contact your campus or facility safety office (see below). They’ll work with the Attorney General’s Office so that we can respond appropriately given relevant state and federal laws. Employees should also notify their supervisor. We would also appreciate it if you would contact your safety office if you become aware of immigration officials on a campus or at a UW facility more generally.

Campus and facility safety contacts

UW Bothell: 911 or (425) 352-5359
Seattle campus: 911 or (206) 685-8973
UW Tacoma: 911 or (253) 692-4416
UW Medicine clinical facilities: Please contact the Administrator On Call for your specific facility.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies and in programs supported by the federal government are the subject of policy changes, including two presidential executive orders. More specific guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Attorney General will be issued related to these orders, but that guidance is not expected until potentially April or May.

Additionally, on Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights issued a “Dear Colleague” letter that gives its interpretation of Title VI and the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which banned the use of race or ethnicity in college admissions. The letter states that the office’s interpretation prohibits “using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.” It said additional legal guidance will be issued in due course but also that this interpretation will be used in compliance actions starting March 1. The University and Washington Attorney General’s Office are evaluating the letter and appropriate next steps. Until or unless otherwise notified, units should continue to use the Programs and Activities Checklist from UW Compliance and Risk Services to guide their actions.

Title IX and gender-affirming care

Section updated March 1, 2025
Additional guidance following a Jan. 20 executive order on gender identity, including that order’s impact on federal regulations governing sex- and gender-based discrimination and harassment, including Title IX, is not expected until March. Meanwhile, a Feb. 5 executive order changing Title IX interpretation to bar transgender athletes from competing on girls’ and women’s K-12 and college sports teams was followed on Feb. 6 by a change in NCAA policy to align with that order.

A Jan. 28 executive order barring certain gender-affirming care for individuals under age 19 will also be followed by additional federal regulatory actions and guidance this winter. The executive order is the subject of two court orders, including a temporary restraining order issued Feb. 14 that blocked implementation of the executive order in Washington, along with Oregon and Minnesota. On Feb. 28, the effects of the Feb. 14 order were extended when a federal judge in Seattle issued a preliminary injunction, which blocks implementation until the case is decided and adds Colorado to the states where the injunction is in effect.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator

Additional resources

Resources for caring for your well-being and those of students and employees are available on each campus and via the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.