Important Updates on Federal Policy Changes and WWU
Dear WWU Community,
Recent federal policy changes, including executive orders, have created uncertainty for higher education institutions. At Western Washington University, we remain dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment where all members of our community can thrive. Ensuring the well-being, success, and sense of belonging for our students, faculty, and staff remains at the heart of our mission.
University leadership, in consultation with WWU’s Office of the Attorney General, is closely monitoring these developments to understand their implications for WWU and to ensure compliance with state and federal law. We will keep you informed as new information becomes available.
As you may have heard in the news, several federal agencies temporarily suspended communications as they undergo leadership transitions and assess the implementation of the president's Executive Orders. On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to temporarily freeze funding for federal grants and loans, potentially affecting research, reports, new awards, and other grant-related activities. Yesterday afternoon, a federal judge temporarily blocked the spending freeze, and this morning, the administration officially rescinded the original memo freezing federal grants.
While this latest decision reverses the immediate funding freeze, uncertainty remains regarding the broader implications of these policy shifts. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor and assess how such changes may affect WWU’s operations, research projects, and financial aid programs. Federal administration updates will be provided on this dedicated webpage as more information becomes available: www.wwu.edu/federal-administration-updates.
Another important area where our campus community may be impacted by recent changes in federal policy is immigration enforcement. As shared by WWU’s Office of Equity last week, Washington State law continues to guide how institutions like WWU engage with federal immigration policies. Under RCW 10.93.160 and the Keep Washington Working Act, local law enforcement and public entities, including universities, are prohibited from using resources to assist with immigration enforcement or surveillance. Immigration enforcement remains the sole responsibility of federal authorities.
Additionally, federal law (FERPA) protects most student information, and immigration officials cannot enter private areas of campus, such as classrooms, laboratories, or residence halls, without a valid judicial warrant or court order. We have prepared FAQs to guide faculty and staff in responding to potential inquiries from federal officers.
Looking ahead, WWU is committed to maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment. We realize that the rapid pace of change at the federal level has understandably caused uncertainty and anxiety. Many of the executive orders lack details on how they will be operationalized, making it difficult to assess their impact. As we seek clarity on these issues, we are working to ensure resources and support for community members who may be directly affected by these changes, including undocumented students, DACA recipients, international students and scholars and others directly impacted by evolving federal policies. Federal changes have also raised concerns about potential impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and we are waiting for further guidance from state and federal agencies.
While awaiting further clarity, WWU will continue its programs in full compliance with state and federal laws, and we are actively collaborating with the Washington Attorney General’s Office to ensure that our values and mission remain protected. As new developments arise, we will keep the WWU community informed through campus communications and through updates to the website referenced in this email.
During its more than 130-year history, Western has effectively navigated through times of challenge and transformation by staying true to its mission of public service and its core values of academic excellence, innovation, and respect and dignity for all. Together, we will work through this moment with resilience and care, ensuring that this university remains a place where everyone can flourish.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Western and for the vital role you play in making our university an extraordinary place to learn, work, and grow.
Warm regards,
Sabah