Linda McMahon urges university reforms to restore public trust

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has issued a “National Call to Action” to university leaders, urging post-secondary institutions to implement reforms to restore declining public trust in higher education.

In a letter addressed to university presidents and governing boards, McMahon requested public commitments to several policy areas, including increased transparency in admissions, protecting campus environments from disruptive protests, and hiring faculty with diverse perspectives. She also called for institutions to publicly commit to “national service” via their websites by the end of 2026.

The push for reform follows federal shifts regarding student loans, accreditation, and a crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. While the Department of Education seeks greater accountability and academic rigor, some leaders, such as the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, have emphasized that institutional independence and autonomy remain paramount to the American higher education system.