Federal Guidance Resources
Webpage last reviewed: March 28, 2025
Webpage last updated: March 28, 2025
Updates Related to Federal Actions
In January 2025, the new federal administration began issuing memos, regulations,
and executive orders, including some which may impact our work and community at Montgomery
College.
The College’s commitment to our mission and values remains unchanged—we remain steadfastly focused on welcoming all students and employees into a community that emphasizes belonging; and we are committed to giving every individual what they need to succeed.
We understand the uncertainty that multiple policy instructions have created. Many of these are changing daily, face legal challenges, and may or may not remain in effect long-term.
Through this period of rapid change, the College is monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with legal, policy, and higher education experts to gain clarity and respond appropriately.
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the resources below for guidance and answers to frequent questions. We are updating this site as new information becomes available.
Immigration/Enforcement Actions
We understand that members of the College community may be concerned about the possibility of immigration enforcement activity on our campuses and centers. Please be assured that Montgomery College Public Safety will never ask you about your immigration status, and will not be involved with enforcing federal immigration laws.
- As a public, open access institution, portions of our College are open to the general public, including federal law enforcement authorities. However, law enforcement authorities generally need a valid judicial warrant to access non-public areas such as private offices or classrooms while classes are in session.
- Although we have not had any reports of immigration enforcement activity at Montgomery College to date, in the event that you are contacted by federal authorities seeking information, access to non-public spaces, or to enforce immigration laws, employees should immediately call MC Public Safety. You can dial 7-3333 from any campus phone or 240-567-3333 to reach Public Safety Dispatch for all locations.
- Public Safety will review, in consultation with legal counsel, warrants or other documentation provided by the agents and determine next steps.
- College employees should inform federal immigration enforcement officials that they have reached out to campus officials for further assistance and ask them to wait until MC Public Safety arrives.
- Under no circumstances should anyone physically obstruct or interfere with federal immigration authorities in the course of their duties.
- Attorney General of the State of Maryland Guidance to Colleges and Universities Regarding
Immigration Enforcement (2025) (PDF,
)
- Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion (1/20/2025)new window
- Department of Homeland Security Directives (1/21/2025)new window
- Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities (3/20/2025)new window
Messages from MC Leadership
- Welcoming the Spring Semester and Affirming Our Mission (1/21/25) (PDF,
)
- Commitment to Your Success Amid Policy Changes (2/4/25) (PDF,
)
- Update on Federal Financial Assistance Review (2/4/25) (PDF,
)
- Guidance on Questions regarding Executive Orders (2/6/25) (PDF,
)
Internal Resources at MC
- Refugee Training Center
- International Student Office
- Student Wellness’ Center’s Mental Wellness
- Workforce Support for Displaced Federal Employees
- Office of General Counsel
- Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs
External Resources
- American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)new window
- Association of American Universities (AAU)new window
- American Council on Education (ACE)new window
- Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)new window
- Maryland Public Servants Resource Websitenew window
Executive Orders/Dear Colleague Letter/Additional Federal Guidance Relevant to Higher Education
- U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights “Dear Colleague” Letter (2/14/25) (PDF,
)
- Title IX (2/5/25)new window
- Rescission of OMB Memo (1/29/25)new window
- Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs (1/27/25) (PDF,
)
Executive Orders - Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections (3/25/2025)new window
- Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (1/21/25)new window
- Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing (1/20/25)new window
- Protecting the American People Against Invasion (1/20/25)new window
More Guidance
You may find additional answers to questions here:
DEI/Civil Rights/Discrimination
- U.S. Dept of Education Office for Civil Rights (2/14/25) (PDF,
)
- Guidance from the Office of the Maryland Attorney Generalnew window
Immigration
- Immigration Enforcement on Campuses: What You Need to Know (2/25/25)new window
- Inside Higher Ed: Campuses No Longer Off-Limits to ICE (2/5/25)new window
Resources for Basic Needs
- Basic Needs Assistance
- Emergency Aid for Students from the MC Foundation
- Montgomery County Resourcesnew window
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