Update on Federal Actions and Guidance to Universities

March 7, 2025

Dear Faculty and Staff:
 
I write in the spirit of keeping our community informed during what has been a period of uncertainty for higher education at the federal level.
 
Many in our community have raised questions about the “Dear Colleague” letter issued by the U.S. Department of Education last month. Earlier this week, the attorneys general of multiple states, including New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, issued guidance on this letter to colleges and universities. This guidance broadly affirms our university’s approach to diversity: one focused on inclusion, not exclusion, on fostering opportunity for all, and on compliance with state and federal law.
 
As I shared in February with the entire community, Rutgers considers diversity to be necessary to foster the cultural competencies, resilience, and openness to dialogue that promote the intellectual growth and understanding that are essential for success in the classroom, the university community, and society at large.
 
In addition, a federal judge this week issued a preliminary injunction against the NIH’s plan to reduce the F&A (indirect costs) reimbursement rate for universities to 15% for all its research grants, a change that would significantly reduce funding for critical biomedical and scientific research at Rutgers. Our university and the state have been active in the legal effort that led to the injunction, and we continue to work with our peer institutions, our congressional delegation, and other partners to advocate against this change.

Despite the injunction, the university is aware that NIH councils are still not meeting, thus continuing to impede the funding of new grants. Also, the federal government has modified or terminated several active research awards at Rutgers, and the university continues to closely monitor the activities at federal funding agencies. Our Government Relations and Office for Research teams are calling for attention to these issues with our elected officials. 
 
Information on the attorneys general’s guidance and on the NIH injunction can be found on the newly updated FAQ website related to federal affairs. I urge you to continue reaching out to your chancellor’s office and federal-tracking@rutgers.edu with any questions or concerns related to research and grants so that we can provide you with support and guidance.
 
Amid the uncertainty of litigation, federal policy shifts, and changes among federal grant agencies, I also want to reiterate Rutgers’ commitment to its mission and its values. Our institution exists to educate students, conduct research that improves the world, and serve our communities. This mission is underpinned by commitments to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and an atmosphere free from discrimination.
  
I thank you for all you do to support the university’s mission, its students, patients, and communities. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor