State Department Funding Freeze Harms Thousands of Scholars Abroad

A funding freeze by the U.S. government has left thousands of international scholars, including participants in the Fulbright, Gilman, and Critical Language programs, facing financial uncertainty and anxiety. Scholars like Aubrey Lay, who was supposed to receive three months' pay for his work in Estonia, have only received a fraction of their stipends and lack communication from officials regarding future payments. This funding halt is part of a broader governmental budget review initiated by the White House, which is also preparing for potential layoffs across various federal agencies. The absence of clarity has forced many scholars to contemplate early returns or seek temporary support from host institutions, putting their academic missions at risk. University administrators are also grappling with how to sustain their programs amid these financial disruptions. Advocacy groups stress the critical need for clear communication from the State Department, which has not responded to inquiries about the funding pause.