Update on the U.S. Department of Education Review of NSLVE

The following message was sent on February 23, 2026, to participating institutions in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement.

Dear NSLVE Campuses,
 
We are reaching out today with an update on the U.S. Department of Education’s review of the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE).
 
As you know, on February 5, 2026, Tufts University received a letter from the Department regarding NSLVE and its compliance with the Family and Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA). The Department requested responses to questions and related documentation by February 20, 2026. As such, on Friday, Tufts sent a detailed response, with documentation, to the Department, defending the NSLVE study, its FERPA compliance, and the University’s commitment to civic engagement.
 
Our extensive response explained that NSLVE, by design, complies with FERPA. We explained how the nonpartisan study measures student civic participation, and that its findings provide evidence-driven resources and recommendations for action to support civic learning and improve instruction on campuses.
 
We know you are aware, but it is worth reiterating that the NSLVE study seeks to understand whether students vote, not who they vote for. All data received by the NSLVE research team are anonymized, and NSLVE’s reports include only aggregated data about overall voting trends. Tufts does not solicit, receive or review any identifying student information nor any information about student party affiliation or candidate selection.
 
While awaiting the conclusion of the investigation, the University will pause the release of the pending NSLVE reports at the request of the Department. We are making a good faith effort to resolve this matter. Our response made clear that, given the extensive details we provided regarding NSLVE’s FERPA compliance, we expect a swift review and conclusion to the investigation.
 
We will continue to keep you updated in the coming weeks and months. We appreciate all you do to support civic learning and engagement on your campuses.

Best,

Leela Strong
Newhouse Director, CIRCLE                            

Dayna Cunningham,
Dean, Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life