$812M in Federal Science Grants at Arizona Universities Face Trump’s DEI Scrutiny

President Donald Trump’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs is now impacting critical research initiatives at public universities in Arizona. This move affects various areas including wildfire prevention, air pollution, and public health, sparking concern among scholars and students.

Cronkite News has reported that approximately $480 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to Arizona researchers contain keywords that have been flagged by the Trump administration. In total, around 720 grants worth at least $812 million are at risk, encompassing funding from NIH, the National Science Foundation, and NASA, all of which aim to enhance the representation of women and underrepresented communities in scientific fields.

Research projects spanning biology, chemistry, engineering, and public health could face cuts as these funding agencies have not provided clarity on which specific grants may be frozen under the new directives. Requests for comment from these agencies have gone unanswered.

As stated in the Washington Post, Federal agencies have circulated internal lists highlighting keywords that may prompt scrutiny of grant applications. Utilizing these terms, Cronkite News identified grants through the government’s usaspending.gov database.

In recent developments, a federal judge in Massachusetts has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from freezing NIH grants. Additionally, another judge in Maryland has extended a pause on a provision requiring federal agencies to terminate equity-related grants and contracts.

A PhD student from Arizona, who preferred anonymity due to fears of repercussions, expressed a deep sense of uncertainty among his peers. “Instead of wanting to make a difference, we’re left wondering if we’ll end up flipping burgers this summer,” he lamented. His research concerns community health clinics serving underserved populations, underscoring the broader implications this funding threat poses.

Last month, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, led by Republican Ted Cruz of Texas, published a “Woke DEI Grants at NSF” list. This document highlighted 3,483 grants totaling over $2 billion, which they deemed questionable for promoting DEI principles.

Among Arizona’s grants identified in Cruz’s list, $15 million supports a multi-state initiative aimed at improving water security and renewable energy while promoting access for underserved communities. Other grants focus on expanding digital access for low-income K-12 students and studying indigenous cultures through archaeological research.

Historically, the NSF has encouraged inclusion and diversity in grant applications, mandating a consideration of broader societal impacts. This requirement was previously aimed at enhancing representation among women, minorities, and disabled individuals in STEM fields.

Currently, over 10,000 research grants nationwide have been flagged for review, amidst fears that critical scientific inquiries may be compromised. In Arizona, $168,545 allocated to the BRAIN Center at Arizona State University was also included on the Senate’s list due to its objectives of increasing participation from underrepresented groups.

Professors from various Arizona institutions have reported that some of their grants are on hold. These include projects related to environmental research and public health, with co-directors stressing that their work is essential for addressing climate change impacts and health disparities.

In 2023, Arizona faced 1,659 wildfires, resulting in the loss of 176,939 acres. This underscores the urgency for continued funding in wildfire research and prevention as universities brace for potential financial instability.

Amidst this atmosphere of uncertainty, some faculty members have been directed to remove all DEI references from funding proposals. As noted by Timothy Long, a professor at ASU, faculty are now navigating a climate where the potential loss of funding pressures them to alter the content of their scientific research requests.