Maryland and 15 other states filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the Donald Trump administration, challenging the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) recent moves to cut scientific research funding and diversity programs in STEM fields. Filed in U.S. District Court in New York, the suit claims that April changes by the NSF will disproportionately harm universities, students, and staff.
According to the complaint, the NSF eliminated or defunded projects aimed at increasing participation from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The agency also imposed a 15% cap on indirect costs—expenses such as lab maintenance and administrative support—which universities argue makes many projects financially unsustainable.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said schools like the University of Maryland, Baltimore County have already lost nearly $5 million. Bowie State University saw a key program for increasing Black male STEM educators terminated.
The states argue the NSF’s policy shift contradicts decades of progress in diversifying STEM and imposes arbitrary funding barriers. The Trump administration has not responded publicly, but similar attempts to cap costs at NIH and the Department of Energy have been blocked by courts.
Source(s)
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
