Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to Cancel NIH Diversity, Gender Grants

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, allowed the Trump administration to proceed with the cancellation of more than 1,700 National Institutes of Health research grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and gender identity issues, lifting a lower court order that had required the restoration of these grants. The administration argues that these grants do not align with its policy objectives, which include restricting federal funding for DEI-related projects and gender identity initiatives. The decision was divided, with Chief Justice John Roberts joining the court's liberal justices in dissent, emphasizing concerns over the funding cuts. Justice Amy Coney Barrett took a nuanced stance, agreeing that challenges to grant terminations belong in the Court of Federal Claims but not supporting emergency relief against the policy guidance itself. The legal battle will continue in lower courts, with states and research institutions contesting the abrupt cancellations that have led to layoffs, reduced enrollments, and admissions cuts. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions over the definition and role of DEI in federally funded research and the limits of judicial jurisdiction over administrative actions.