The National Science Foundation (NSF) changed priorities with the new Trump administration. It terminated some previously awarded research programs to develop “diversity-related projects,” since they do not align with the goal of creating “opportunities for all Americans everwhere.”
While the reader may be wondering why the National Science Foundation concerns anything but the advancement of science, the more immediate questions are Is the NSF allowed to just stop funding some projects on the basis of altered executive branch priorities? and What is required of the NSF by statute?
Sixteen states sued, asking for a court injunction to stop the halt of spending on DEI by the NSF. On August 1, a federal judge declined the request. “In a 78-page opinion, U.S. District Judge John Cronan declined to issue the injunction,” explains an Epoch Times article, “noting that the case involves monetary claims and therefore falls within the jurisdiction of the Court of Federal Claims.
Cronan determined that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that NSF’s directive runs counter to its mandatory statutory obligations, according to the court ruling.
The judge also stated that NSF’s directive, by its terms, does not require the agency to stop supporting projects aimed at increasing participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM fields, citing evidence presented by the plaintiffs.
For example, the University of Northern Colorado stated that NSF funding supported nine of its programs that specifically aim to promote minority participation in STEM fields. Of those, only one had its funding terminated following the change in the agency’s policies, according to the court order.
“To the contrary, the record makes clear that, under the Priority Directive, NSF continues to fund many projects that advance the congressional objectives reflected in the NSF Act,” Cronan stated.
Aldgra Fredly, “Judge Declines to Block National Science Foundation From Ending DEI-Related Grants,” The Epoch Times (August 2, 2025).
Paul Jacob has been following the DEI issue for years, most recently in January with “DEI, Dying?” He remembers when its “diversity/equity/inclusion” policies were called “reverse discrimination.”