From the President
Update on Federal Directives
Jan. 29, 2025
Dear De Anza College Colleagues,
I wanted to share this important update, as we continue to monitor the recent actions of the federal government.
Yesterday, the Trump Administration released an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum that called for a pause in spending on federal grants, loans, and financial assistance programs, all of which have an impact on our students, their financial aid, and the college’s federal grant programs. This is in addition to last week’s Executive Orders that addressed DEIA programs, immigration, citizenship, and environmental programs. These actions have created uncertainty and anxiety as we engage in the important work of our college, in alignment with our mission and values, on essential efforts that impact our students and the communities we serve.
We continue to receive ongoing updates and clarification regarding the OMB pause order.
The Department of Education has confirmed that direct student loans and Pell Grants
will NOT be interrupted despite the broad federal funding pause. Separately, a U.S. District Court ruling has temporarily blocked the OMB order.
Please know that our Board of Trustees, our Chancellor, and district leadership are
continuing to work with our elected officials, legal counsel, our system partners,
and other strong advocates who are challenging the legality of these pronouncements
by the federal government. I will continue to keep you updated as more information
becomes available.
Thank you all for your continued service to our students and college community, your
focused and unwavering efforts to prioritize the work that we do at De Anza College,
and for your patience as we sort through this ongoing evolving landscape.
In Service,
Omar
Omar Torres, Ed.D.
President, De Anza College