The document outlines the significant legal and regulatory challenges facing higher education institutions, as discussed at a Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) meeting held on June 5-6, 2025. The session, led by legal experts from Hogan Lovells and COGR representatives, focused on current litigation, policy developments, and increasing federal oversight impacting colleges and universities. Key topics included federal research funding cuts, litigation over indirect cost rates, and legal disputes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The agenda also highlighted ongoing immigration-related cases and concerns about U.S. Department of Education operations and functionality.
Multiple lawsuits were detailed, covering a wide array of issues, from allocation of research funds and administrative costs to the legality of federal actions affecting DEI programs and immigration policy. The presentation suggested that higher education institutions are navigating an increasingly complex landscape marked by heightened legal scrutiny and shifting regulatory priorities, requiring proactive compliance strategies and engagement with policymakers. The inclusion of high-profile cases and actions across various jurisdictions emphasizes the broad scope of federal pressure on academic research, administration, and campus policies.
