Higher education groups and Democratic attorneys general urged the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to rescind an anti-DEI certification proposal tied to federal funding eligibility. The groups argue the plan would effectively require colleges to certify compliance with contested federal directives and “relevant executive orders” on antidiscrimination law. Under the proposal, recipients seeking to register in SAM.gov would need to certify they are complying with the U.S. Constitution, federal law and relevant executive orders, with examples that commenters say could conflict with ordinary campus practices. The language points to potential violations such as awarding race-based scholarships and requiring diversity statements. American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell told GSA that the Justice Department’s July guidance is explicitly described as “non-binding suggestions,” but that turning it into a certification requirement would convert it into a mandatory condition for federal funds. Commenters also noted litigation is already underway over parts of the Trump administration’s anti-DEI guidance.