Federal Judge Blocks Trump Admin's Demand for College Admissions Data

The ruling halts the administration's efforts to obtain years of sensitive student data from 17 schools.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a college campus building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows suggesting an underlying tension and uncertainty about the future of diversity efforts in higher education.As the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity programs continues, a court ruling blocks its demand for sensitive student admissions data, raising concerns about privacy and the future of equitable access to higher education.Boston Today

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's demand that colleges and universities submit detailed student admissions data, including race and sex. The Education Department had threatened to withhold federal funding from schools that failed to comply with the March 18 deadline to provide seven years of historical admissions records. The judge ruled that the administration's policy was implemented in a 'hasty and irresponsible' manner.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education has raised concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive student data and the chilling effect on campus life for minority students. This ruling is a setback for the administration's efforts to undermine affirmative action in college admissions.

The details

Last August, the Education Department ordered schools to submit student admissions data by March, or they would risk losing federal funding. A lawyer for the plaintiffs argued that the Trump administration's policy was implemented too quickly, without proper notice and comment. The judge agreed, writing that the '120-day deadline imposed by the President led directly to the failure of NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) to engage meaningfully with the institutions during the notice-and-comment process to address the multitude of problems presented by the new requirements.'

  • In August 2025, the Education Department ordered schools to submit admissions data by March 2026.
  • On March 18, 2026, the Education Department's deadline for schools to submit the data expired.
  • On April 4, 2026, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration's demand for the data.

The players

Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV

A federal judge in the District Court in Boston who issued the temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's demand for college admissions data.

Linda McMahon

The Education Secretary who defended the administration's policy, arguing it was intended to ensure colleges complied with the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who celebrated the ruling, calling the administration's 'crusade against D.E.I. dangerous' and saying students should not have to fear their personal data being handed over to the federal government.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 120-day deadline imposed by the President led directly to the failure of NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) to engage meaningfully with the institutions during the notice-and-comment process to address the multitude of problems presented by the new requirements.”

— Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, Federal Judge

“This administration's crusade against D.E.I. is dangerous. Students should not have to live in fear that their personal data will be handed over to the federal government, just as schools should not have to scramble to produce years of sensitive information to satisfy an arbitrary and unlawful demand.”

— Letitia James, New York Attorney General

What’s next

The judge's temporary restraining order will remain in effect as the case proceeds. The 17 schools that sued the Trump administration over the data demand will continue to fight the policy in court.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration's broader efforts to undermine diversity, equity and inclusion programs at colleges and universities across the country. It highlights the legal and ethical concerns around the administration's heavy-handed approach to obtaining sensitive student data.