Funding Cuts Threaten Maryland Public Universities With Layoffs, Research Losses

Maryland's public universities are facing severe financial challenges due to significant funding cuts from both the state and the Trump administration. The University System of Maryland has lost approximately $120 million in federal research funding, with state budget cuts totaling $233 million over the last two years, leading to potential layoffs and reduced resources. Chancellor Jay Perman highlighted the detrimental impact of federal grant cancellations, particularly those related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as decreased support from the National Institutes of Health, which has led to a 38% decline in new awards and threatens thousands of jobs and critical research. These cuts also affect financial aid, program funding, and the enrollment of international students, with a projected 5% drop in international student numbers this fall. Johns Hopkins University has also experienced a drastic reduction in federal research awards, losing over $500 million in federal grant funding and maintaining a hiring freeze as a result. University leaders are urging state lawmakers to intervene to sustain Maryland's educational pipeline, research innovation, and economic future amid these funding crises.