Ensuring Transparency in Higher Education Admissions

Background and Purpose:

• The memorandum responds to concerns that, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-based admissions, universities may still use overt and hidden racial proxies in their admissions processes.
• It emphasizes the need for greater transparency to expose unlawful practices and eliminate racial hierarchies in higher education.

Role of IPEDS:

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), managed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), is highlighted as a critical tool for promoting transparency.
• The memorandum calls for technological upgrades to IPEDS to expand data collection and improve its effectiveness.

Policy and Technological Improvements:

• The Secretary of Education is directed to revamp the online presentation of IPEDS data, making it more accessible and understandable for parents and students.
• The IPEDS data collection portal is to be overhauled to remove inefficiencies and better organize and utilize data from institutions.

Enhanced Reporting Requirements:

• Within 120 days, and starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the Secretary of Education (in coordination with NCES) must expand required reporting to provide adequate transparency into admissions.
• The Secretary must make public the enhanced reporting requirements and increase accuracy checks to ensure data validity.
• Remedial action is required if institutions fail to submit timely, complete, or accurate data.

General Provisions:

• The memorandum clarifies that it does not create any enforceable rights or benefits for any party.