DEI Language Ban Expands to Science Fields, Impacting Research and Funding
February 10, 2025: The removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from federal science agencies has disrupted research institutions and funding mechanisms across the U.S. Following recent executive orders, NASA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Energy have either eliminated or suspended DEI-related programs, grants, and outreach efforts.
Federal Agencies Remove DEI Requirements
NASA has dropped inclusivity clauses from multiple initiatives, while the NIH canceled its Environmental Justice Scholars Program. National laboratories under the Department of Energy have removed DEI commitments from their websites and paused projects promoting inclusive research environments. The National Science Foundation (NSF) temporarily froze grant funding to review compliance with the executive orders, leading to uncertainty among scientists dependent on federal support.
University Funding and Research Disruptions
Research institutions and universities face significant challenges adapting to new restrictions. Funding delays have particularly affected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) programs and institutions with DEI-focused research. Some universities, including Arizona State University and Michigan State University, have canceled conferences and projects related to DEI, fearing financial repercussions.
The University of California, San Francisco, and the University of Arizona risk losing major NIH and NSF funding as agencies reevaluate programs that include DEI language. Academic leaders have expressed concerns that these shifts could undermine efforts to support underrepresented researchers and weaken initiatives addressing disparities in science and healthcare.
Concerns Over Censorship and Academic Freedom
Scientists have raised alarms about the vague language in the executive orders, leading to fears of self-censorship. Some researchers worry that studies on ethnic disparities or social determinants of health may now be at risk of defunding or rejection. Legal challenges have already been filed, arguing that removing DEI from science policies stifles research and innovation.
While proponents claim the changes uphold meritocracy in research funding, critics warn of long-term consequences for diversity in STEM fields. The broader impact on scientific progress remains uncertain as institutions navigate these restrictions.
