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NY, NJ attorneys general sue Trump administration over cuts to science, diversity in research
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 29, 2025
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 29, 2025
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New York and New Jersey’s attorneys general have joined a coalition of 16 states suing the Trump administration over what they call unlawful cuts to scientific research and diversity efforts in STEM fields.
The lawsuit follows two recent policy changes by the National Science Foundation.
In April, the agency began terminating programs aimed at increasing the participation of women, people of color and people with disabilities in science and engineering.
Earlier this month, the NSF announced it would cap “indirect costs," or things like lab space, equipment and facility services, at 15%. That new cap would significantly reduce funding to public universities.
SUNY said it expects $24.6 million in indirect cost funding this fiscal year, which could be slashed by as much as $18 million under the new rule. In fiscal year 2024, SUNY campuses received $104 million in NSF funding across 23 campuses.
The directive has already affected programs in New York.
The NSF pulled $11 million in funding from 18 programs at CUNY focused on boosting participation in STEM by underrepresented groups.
The 38-page lawsuit argues that the new NSF policies violate federal law and congressional intent. It asks a court to block the changes from taking effect.
“Putting politics over science will only set our country back,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Every time we go online, scan a barcode at checkout, or get an MRI, we use technology made possible by the National Science Foundation,” James said. “This administration’s attacks on basic science and essential efforts to ensure diversity in STEM will weaken our economy and our national security.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Gothamist.
Tagged
Health and Science
Politics
new york state
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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