Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Open Date: September 2025

Closed Date: 10/17/25

Agency: Department of Education

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard made clear that the consideration of race in higher education admissions violates students’ civil rights. Yet many colleges and universities appear to be moving their race discrimination underground to circumvent the ruling. Indeed, Defending Education’s own report indicates that more than 245 colleges and universities are still actively operating DEI offices. 

In August, President Trump directed the Department of Education to “ensure institutions of higher education receiving Federal financial assistance are transparent in their admissions practices.” This is welcome news. Greater transparency in admissions is an essential first step to ensure that these institutions follow the law, respect the civil rights of applicants, and treat all students with the dignity they deserve.

Transparent admissions data WILL:

  • Expose the existence of any admissions processes that engage in racial discrimination.
  • Create a guardrail to encourage merit over race as the deciding factor in admissions.
  • Help to restore Americans’ trust that their tax dollars are supporting fair institutions and just processes in higher education.

Let the Department of Education know you support Transparency in Admissions!

LEave Comment

Read Defending Ed’s official comment below:

Official IPEDS Admissions Transparency Comments_FinalDownload