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Court Halts Data Collection
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's data collection effort in 17 states.
“A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s demand for seven years of applicant data”
The judge ruled the process was rushed and epitomizes arbitrary and capricious agency action.
The order grants a reprieve to UC and Cal State systems.
The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit by 17 Democratic state attorneys general.
Privacy and Implementation Concerns
The lawsuit argued the data collection risks invading student privacy.
Universities cautioned many did not have all the information the government wanted.
NCES staffing has been cut from about 100 to only three amid layoffs.
The ruling focused on flawed implementation and unworkable deadlines.
Trump's Push and Supreme Court Context
The data collection stems from Trump's August directive.
“The measure was ordered by Trump after expressing concern that universities were using personal statements to consider applicants' race”
The Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action but allowed race to be considered if shared in essays.
The Education Department argued taxpayers deserve transparency.
The court found the implementation incompatible with administrative law.