We’ve been hard at work and realize we’ve been remiss in keeping you updated.
We want to inform you of all that is happening at AACS since the wrapping of negotiated rulemaking, and our plans moving forward.
AACS ACTION PLAN
Fighting for Fair Rules That Reflect Our Reality
The AHEAD Committee recently advanced recommendations that would fundamentally threaten beauty, barber, and wellness education. These rules were built for traditional four-year colleges—not for career schools like ours that serve different students with different goals. Congress did not intend for these rules to apply to certificate programs, however the Department of Education has taken it upon themselves to ensure they do.
What They Missed
The proposed rules don’t account for the realities of our industry. Tips that boost income but don’t show up on official records. A workforce that’s predominantly women and minorities building careers around family responsibilities. Career pathways that grow over time rather than starting with high entry-level salaries. Students who choose our programs specifically because they offer flexibility and opportunity that traditional colleges don’t.
These aren’t minor details. They’re the foundation of how our sector works.
OUR FIVE-POINT DIRECT RESPONSE PLAN
1. Direct Engagement with Secretary McMahon
AACS Government Relations is meeting directly with the Department of Education leadership to ensure they understand the real-world impact these rules would have on students, schools, and communities. They need to hear from people who actually run these schools and serve these students.
2. National Congressional Call to Action (Launching EARLY February) 🚨🚨
In February, we’re mobilizing members across the country to educate their representatives about what’s at stake. Congress needs to hear directly from constituents in their districts about how these rules would affect local communities and students seeking opportunity.
3. Strategic Hill Day (February 25)
AACS leaders and Government Relations Committee members will meet face-to-face with key lawmakers who can influence this process. Personal conversations matter, and they are happening with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Honorable Secretary McMahon to ensure the right people hear our story.
More details to come when appropriate.
4. Full Member Hill Day (April 14-15)
Registration is open for our comprehensive Hill Day. This is your opportunity to personally advocate for your school, your students, and your community. When members of Congress meet school owners from their own districts, it changes the conversation. We need you there. Please register now for this important event.
5. Continued Legal Strategy Our appeal of the Gainful Employment rule remains active, and we’re carefully evaluating all legal options regarding the newly proposed rules. We’re pursuing every available avenue to protect our sector.
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
AACS is committed to securing fair, realistic policies that recognize how career education actually works and protects access to opportunity for students nationwide.
This isn’t about fighting for fighting’s sake—it’s about making sure the rules reflect reality and don’t inadvertently harm the very students they’re meant to protect.
More details and specific action steps coming soon! | 
