In a last-minute shift, the community colleges that were championing these bills came out to formally oppose them after the lawmakers substantially revised the measures.

Judge says the policy provided no discernible criteria for what programs would be considered "DEI" and disfavored for funding. The department also ⁠failed to consider how canceling the grants would impact those who relied upon the funding, she said.

Even without the perch of a presidency, the 82-year-old remains heavily influential in conversations surrounding higher ed's future, especially seeking to stabilize college athletics.