Federal equity assistance centers—nonprofits funded by the U.S. Department of Education to support civil-rights enforcement and student access—are navigating grant disruptions and proposed budget cuts. Eshé Collins, who leads a Region II center serving 11 southern states through the Southern Education Foundation, said her center’s grant was ended early in 2025, later restored after litigation. The story details operational fallout during funding gaps, including staff departures, layoffs, and the shutdown and later revival of a Midwest center. It also highlights proposed elimination of annual funding and additional administrative changes to how the centers are housed within the Department. The centers’ struggle is a signal for campuses watching civil-rights litigation and compliance: funding and staffing changes at enforcement-support organizations can reshape the availability of technical assistance for students and districts.