Democratic AGs Sue to Block Admissions Data Collection

"As part of the newly created Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey, colleges must submit years of disaggregated admissions data-including the test scores, grade point averages, race, sex and income ranges of applied, admitted and enrolled students dating as far back as 2019. The data collection is part of an effort to verify that universities aren't considering race in admissions decisions after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of such practices in 2023."

"The attorneys general argued in the lawsuit that with ACTS, the administration seeks "to fundamentally change IPEDS, converting it from a reliable tool for methodical statistical reporting to a mechanism for law enforcement and the furthering of partisan policy aims." They added that the scope, breadth and rushed process of the data collection places "a considerable burden" on institutions and could subject them to "costly investigations based on unreliable data.""

"Institutions typically have about a year to prepare for changes to Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System surveys, according to the lawsuit, which is led by Massachusetts attorney general Andrea Joy Campbell. Experts have said this new survey is the largest expansion in the history of IPEDS."

Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to block a new federal requirement mandating colleges submit years of disaggregated admissions data through the Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement survey. Colleges must report test scores, GPAs, race, sex, and income ranges of applied, admitted, and enrolled students dating back to 2019. The rule was finalized in late December with colleges receiving notice in August, providing insufficient preparation time compared to the typical one-year adjustment period. Attorneys general argue the requirement fundamentally transforms IPEDS from a statistical reporting tool into a law enforcement mechanism, imposing considerable burdens on institutions and risking costly investigations based on unreliable data. The Education Department granted only a three-week extension despite requests for three months.

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