16 states, mostly controlled by Democrats, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, asking a federal court to block major funding cuts and program changes at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The states argued that the moves threaten the United States’ leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, is led by New York attorney general Letitia James. “This administration’s attacks on basic science and essential efforts to ensure diversity in STEM will weaken our economy and our national security,” she said.According to the lawsuit, the NSF has begun ending programs that support the participation of women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM fields. It also challenges a new rule that limits funding for indirect research costs, such as lab space and equipment, to 15 per cent of total grants. The lawsuit claims these actions go against long-standing Congressional goals, reported The New York Times.The NSF has supported broader participation in STEM since 1980, under direction from Congress. The foundation recently changed its policy priorities, removing support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Days after the grant cancellations began, NSF director Sethuraman Panchanathan announced his resignation.As of Wednesday, more than 1,700 NSF research grants had been cancelled, totaling about $1.4 billion in cuts. One example in the lawsuit says the State University of New York could lose $18 million as a result.The NSF had a $9 billion budget for fiscal year 2024, but the Trump administration’s draft budget proposes cutting it by 55.8 per cent.In addition to New York, the other states joining the lawsuit include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
