During deliberations the board discussed how current federal executive orders and compliance expectations could affect grantees that center programming on specific populations.

A reviewer raising a compliance concern (Unidentified Speaker 6) said, “you cannot just serve LGBTQ kids,” describing an executive-order interpretation that could restrict organizations that explicitly advertise identity-based programs. Several reviewers agreed the effect has been to make some organizations change outward-facing language even as they continue targeted work: "they just continue to do their work," one reviewer said, noting programs have shifted presentation rather than core mission.

Panelists described practical workarounds they have seen. For example, university-affiliated programs can route funds through student organizations or structure programming so that students — not the university — lead identity-directed activities. Reviewers said smaller nongovernmental organizations that do not depend on federal funds may remain less affected because private donors have different rules.

Board members emphasized monitoring and follow-up. One reviewer suggested the panel should be prepared to pause or redirect funds if a grantee’s ability to deliver key program elements were compromised by compliance actions; another proposed restricting awards to specific budget line items that would remain allowable (for example, instructor fellowships or transportation rather than identity-based recruitment advertising).

The discussion did not lead to formal policy changes at the meeting, but staff were asked to factor federal compliance risk into award conditions and to seek clarifying language from applicants where necessary.