The U.S. Department of Education has withdrawn guidance from the previous administration that permitted Federal Work Study (FWS) funds to be used for student participation in certain political activities. The department issued new instructions stating that FWS resources should be directed toward jobs that offer practical work experience rather than political engagement.
This policy change follows a letter from sixteen Republican attorneys general, who argued that the earlier guidance was inconsistent with federal law. The updated directive also clarifies that the Higher Education Act (HEA) does not obligate colleges and universities to distribute voter registration forms to students who are known to be ineligible to vote.
“Federal Work Study is meant to provide students opportunities to gain real-world experience that prepares them to succeed in the workforce, not as a way to fund political activism on our college and university campuses,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “Under President Trump and Secretary McMahon’s leadership, the American taxpayer will no longer fund poll workers, voter hotlines, or political rallies on campus. We will also not require institutions to solicit students to register to vote if they know they are ineligible.”
According to the department, institutions must make a “good faith” effort under the HEA to distribute voter registration forms but are not required to do so for students believed ineligible for federal or state elections, such as foreign nationals. The department further instructs colleges and universities to inform students about key voting regulations: only U.S. citizens can participate in federal elections; voting more than once or in multiple states is illegal; providing false information when registering or voting is prohibited; and most states require individuals to register where they are domiciled.
These changes were made following Executive Order 14248, which focuses on election integrity.
Section 487(a)(23) of the Higher Education Act mandates that eligible higher education institutions make efforts to provide mail-in voter registration forms widely available for enrolled students attending classes on campus. The FWS program offers part-time employment for financially needy students but prohibits use of its funds for jobs involving any form of political activity—including roles related to voter registration drives or assistance at polling places—under 34 C.F.R. § 675.22(b)(5).
