ACLU Sues NIH for Alleged Ideological Research Cancellations

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alleging an unconstitutional 'ideological purge' of research projects. The suit claims that the NIH has abruptly cancelled hundreds of grants, justifying these actions with vague directives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) without providing scientifically valid explanations. It highlights that over $2.4 billion in funding is at stake, potentially delaying scientific advancements and jeopardizing public health. The lawsuit argues that these cancellations lack legal or policy support and violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Fifth Amendment. Key defendants include NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Both agencies have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, which reflects wider challenges to research funding and allocation under the Trump administration.