Illinois Republicans say federal student data probe may reach Illinois State after Tufts review

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The McLean County Republican Party says a newly announced federal investigation into Tufts University could have significant implications for Illinois State University and dozens of campuses nationwide, following allegations that student data was improperly shared with third-party organizations involved in election engagement.

The U.S. Department of Education last week confirmed it is reviewing Tufts University’s participation in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, a nonprofit that analyzes student voting data.

Republicans argue the partnerships may violate federal student privacy laws, including The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

“American colleges and universities should be focused on teaching, learning, and research – not influencing elections,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a news release.

McLean County GOP Executive Board member Connie Beard said the probe marks the first concrete outcome of months of local efforts raising concerns about Illinois State University’s involvement in the same program.

“A year ago, when [former state Senate candidate] Desi Anderson and her husband Nick came to us with the research and evidence they were uncovering, we recognized the impact this could have on our election system,” Beard told TCS. “Particularly in a couple of our county board races where the Illinois State University campus and ISU students were having a strong impact on turnout and election results.”

Beard said the county GOP provided financial and public support as Anderson pursued legal action and federal complaints, culminating in a September press conference at ISU with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria.

Nearly six months later, Beard said the Department of Education’s announcement shows the issue is gaining traction.

“They’re starting with Tufts because that’s where NSLVE is based,” Beard said. “But ISU had the same agreement with NSLVE that Tufts did. If the Department of Education finds liability or abuse of student data there, the ripple effect is going to be strong.”

The Department of Education recently issued guidance warning universities against sharing student data with third-party organizations in ways that could violate FERPA, a move Beard described as “a big step forward.”

“It’s hard not to believe they won’t find abuse,” she said. “The evidence looks very compelling that student information was misused.”

Bear said much of the U.S. Department of Education’s inquiry appears to rely directly on evidence submitted by Anderson. “A lot of what the Department of Education cited comes directly from her complaint,” Beard said. “They almost copied and pasted the data she provided.”

Although the investigation is currently centered on Tufts University, Beard said ISU had a similar agreement with the organization and is unlikely to escape scrutiny if federal officials find violations.

“We [Illinois State] were one of more than 40 universities involved,” Beard said. “That means local elections across the country were impacted.”

For students and the broader McLean County community, Beard said the immediate goal is oversight and transparency heading into future elections.

“We want ISU to know we’re keeping an eye on what they’re doing and that they honor the Department of Education’s call to cease and desist from supplying student data,” she said.

Because much of the evidence relates to the 2024 election cycle, Beard acknowledged it may take time before the full effects are felt locally.

“Some of the students involved may no longer be on campus, or they’ve moved or changed addresses,” she said. “But at least moving forward, we believe the playing field will be more level.”