A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s new admissions data requirement, extending the deadline to March 25 in a suit by 17 states. This decision comes as a response to the lawsuit filed by the states, arguing that the demand is unlawful and places a considerable burden on institutions.
The ACTS survey is a new component of the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), requiring colleges to collect extensive admissions data on test scores, grade point averages, race, sex, and income ranges of applied, admitted, and enrolled students going back as far as 2019.
The 17 state attorneys general who filed the lawsuit argue that the demand is unlawful and transforms IPEDS from a reliable tool for methodical statistical reporting into a mechanism for law enforcement and the furthering of partisan policy aims. They also claim that the scope and time frame of collecting such data place a considerable burden on institutions and could subject them to costly investigations based on unreliable data.
The administration’s demand for admissions data is unlawful and places a considerable burden on institutions.
"The temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor IV in Boston extends the deadline through March 25 to permit a hearing and orderly resolution of the issues. This decision may have significant implications for the administration’s efforts to collect and report admissions data, potentially delaying or altering the implementation of the ACTS survey.
As the lawsuit proceeds, it is essential for educational institutions and stakeholders to stay informed about the developments and potential outcomes. The resolution of this case may set a precedent for future data collection and reporting requirements in higher education, affecting how institutions approach admissions and student data management.
This development underscores the ongoing debate about the role of data collection in higher education and the balance between institutional burden and the need for informed policy decisions. As the case unfolds, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in discussions about the implications of such requirements on educational institutions and students. Learn more about how Learning Success supports educational institutions and students.
