Amherst College has spent $20,000 on lobbying during the first quarter of 2025, as reported by OpenSecrets. The data, covering January 1 to March 31, highlights the college's direct engagement in political lobbying, raising questions about its influence in shaping policymaking.

On March 24, 2025, President Michael Elliott sent an email to the Amherst community reaffirming the college's commitment to protecting First Amendment rights and academic freedom for faculty, staff, and students. This move comes in response to heightened federal interventions under the Trump administration, which have included visa terminations and funding threats, and represents Amherst’s proactive effort to safeguard free expression and maintain the integrity of its academic environment.

Amherst College allocated resources to support the formation and operation of AC Conservatives, a student-led group established to foster conservative political dialogue on campus. The college provided funding similar to that given to Registered Student Organizations, reflecting a commitment to broadening political debate amidst a polarized national climate.

Amherst College, in response to a February 'Dear Colleague Letter' issued by the Department of Education instructing institutions to cease race-based preferences, affirmed that its established anti-discrimination policies will remain unchanged. President Michael Elliott emphasized that the letter is merely an interpretation of existing law and does not compel the college to alter its practices. Additionally, the college has engaged in lobbying discussions with Congress concerning potential federal funding implications, underscoring its commitment to academic freedom and equitable access.

On February 7, 2025, President Michael Elliott addressed a faculty meeting where he directly challenged recent Trump executive orders. In his remarks, Elliott emphasized maintaining the college's commitment to academic freedom, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and outlined measures to protect the community from fear-based compliance and undue federal pressure. He affirmed that Amherst College would continue its DEI efforts and uphold its core values amidst rising authoritarian policies.

Two former employees of Amherst College have initiated a class action lawsuit alleging that the college's policy to pay exempt staff on a monthly basis—deemed to delay wages in violation of Massachusetts state law—has harmed workers, with additional internal communications allegedly aimed at discouraging participation in the lawsuit. Following the controversy, college leadership announced a change to paying exempt employees twice a month starting in March.

Amherst College is facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating the Massachusetts Wage Act by paying exempt employees on a monthly basis, contrary to the law, which mandates semi-monthly or bi-weekly payments. Plaintiffs claim that this practice caused delayed payments and significant financial hardship.

Former employees have filed a lawsuit in Hampshire Superior Court alleging that Amherst College’s policy of paying exempt employees only once a month led to significant delays in wage payments, in violation of the Massachusetts Wage Act. The suit asserts that this practice resulted in millions of dollars in withheld wages and financial hardship for workers.

Amherst College spent $48,000 on lobbying in 2024, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets from Senate Office of Public Records, raising concerns about the institution’s involvement in political influence.

Former employees of Amherst College have filed a lawsuit alleging that the college's monthly pay schedule violates the Massachusetts Wage Act. The complaint, initially filed on December 26, 2024, claims that delayed wages have caused significant financial hardship, leading to calls for triple damages, interest, and attorney fees, and raising concerns about fair labor practices.

Amherst College's Center for Community Engagement has taken steps to bolster voter registration and local political engagement by overseeing AC Votes initiatives on campus, which include tabling efforts, partnerships with local agencies, and digital prompts to remind students to update their voter registrations.

According to OpenSecrets, Amherst College spent $48,000 on federal lobbying during early 2024. The data, which covers lobbying from January 1 to March 31, indicates the college is actively participating in the political process, though there is no evidence linking this expenditure to supporting authoritarian or far‑right agendas.

An OpenSecrets profile details Amherst College's lobbying activities, including annual totals dating back to 1998 and bills lobbied in 2024, highlighting the institution's engagement in political influence efforts.

Amherst College has adopted a supplier policy emphasizing diversity and inclusion in its procurement processes. The policy aims to integrate a diverse supplier base to drive efficiency, innovation, and support marginalized communities.

A report reveals worsening working conditions at Amherst College, with reports of understaffing, mandatory overtime, decreased wages, and the disproportionate exploitation of casual employees. The account highlights systemic issues impacting staff morale and fair labor practices.