To our colleagues across higher education,
Over the past several months, many in our community have been carrying uncertainty, caution, and at times, fear. For some, that uncertainty showed up as paused programs, careful language, or questions about whether it was still possible to engage fully in equity-centered work. For others, it was silence or retreating altogether. If that was your experience, you were not alone.
This uncertainty was fueled in part by federal guidance. On February 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter clarifying how federal civil rights law applies to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts on college and university campuses. Many institutions interpreted the guidance as broadly restricting DEI programs and practices, which raised significant concern across higher education and led to legal challenges. On August 14, 2025, a federal court blocked the letter, finding it unlawful, and the Department of Education filed an appeal on October 13, 2025.
We are writing to be sure members of our community are aware that on January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education formally withdrew its appeal of the August 2025 federal court ruling. As a result, the Dear Colleague letter is no longer enforceable.
For higher education professionals, this should bring an important measure of renewed clarity. The federal pressure tied to that guidance has lifted, creating opportunities for institutions and professionals to engage in equity-centered learning, dialogue, and practice. We recognize and empathize, however, that limitations and challenges to research, practice and/or engagement may still exist at the state or local level for many.
ACPA recognizes that in response to this uncertainty, countless professionals self-censored, paused efforts, or pulled back. Through it all, ACPA did not waver. Our mission, vision, and values have not changed. We did not abandon diversity, equity, inclusion, or belonging when the environment became uncertain. We continued to support student success, inclusive leadership, and equity-centered professional learning, because that work has always been essential to who we are. Even in places and spaces where challenge continues, we remain committed to living into our values for as long as it takes.
One of the greatest costs of the past year has been isolation. Across the country, student affairs professionals navigated similar pressures, often within their own institutions and silos. Reconnecting now is not just about professional development; it’s restorative. Community is not a luxury, it is strategy, sustenance, and survival.
The 2026 ACPA Annual Convention in Baltimore (March 31 – April 2, 2026) has been intentionally designed as a space to reconnect and reclaim this work together. ACPA26 will center equity, student success, and inclusive leadership through the Convention theme, Be More Anchored, which is grounded in our roots, true to our values, and clear in our purpose. Not as reactions or trends, but as commitments. It is an opportunity to be in community with colleagues who are asking the same questions, facing similar constraints, and doing this work with care and courage.
If you paused, we understand.
If you questioned whether you could be in our community or attend our programs, we want to be clear.
If you are ready and able to reconnect, ACPA is ready for you.
ACPA has been here, and we are not going anywhere. Our community matters. Our work matters. Our profession matters. Together, we will keep showing up for one another and for the students at the heart of our work.
In community,
Jonathan A. McElderry, Ph.D.
2025-2026 ACPA President
Kelvin Rutledge, Ph.D.
2026-2027 ACPA President
Chris Moody, Ed.D.
ACPA Executive Director
