Trump’s Executive Orders: The Impact on Penn State

President Donald Trump’s second term began with more than two dozen executive orders concerning campus protests, diversity initiatives and Title IX. With Penn State relying on federal research funding, these changes introduce major uncertainty for many aspects of campus and student life.

Scientific Standstill

For faculty like Ashton M. Verdery, Professor of Sociology, Demography and Social Data Analytics at Penn State, Trump’s policies create not just ideological shifts, but practical roadblocks as the administration’s broad and vaguely defined DEI bans leave researchers in limbo.

“The biggest challenge is that these new changes have been haphazard and rushed through without enough detail,”

– Professor Verdery

This vagueness leaves researchers questioning whether studies on racial and ethnic disparities—such as those examining why Black Americans suffer higher rates of kidney disease—could be prohibited.

“For instance, the initial executive orders prohibiting DEI-related activities were very vague and didn’t offer a clear definition of what would be encompassed.” 

– Professor Verdery

The Trump administration temporarily paused communications from federal health agencies and froze federal grants. While the funding freeze was later rescinded, this disruption still had consequences for researchers on campus.

For one, Professor Verdery had been awaiting final approval for a federally funded training grant intended to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

The grant, submitted in May 2024, was set for approval in a meeting on Jan 28th, 2025—only for that meeting to be canceled due to the freeze.

“We are likely to lose out on good students…lowering the quality of research, instructional TA support for undergrad classes, etc.”

– Professor Verdery

Crackdown on Campus Protests

Trump’s executive orders also target student activism as the Department of Education is now instructed to review all Title VI complaints related to antisemitism within 60 days and threaten deportation for noncitizen students involved in protests deemed “pro-jihadist.” Critics of this order argue that it conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism and stifles free speech on campus.

DEI Programs Dismantled

Trump’s executive order banning federal DEI programs could have financial consequences for Penn State, an institution that receives significant federal research funding. With a record high of $1.337 billion in research expenditures for the fiscal year 2023-2024, Penn State would need to comply with the order or risk losing federal grants. The mandate requires the elimination of DEI-related hiring, research grants and programs that promote racial or gender equity.

Title IX Rollbacks and LGBTQ+ Protections

President Trump has redefined sex under federal law per his order on Jan. 20, 2025 where he states, “These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality” which rolls back protections for transgender students under Title IX. This change could affect Penn State’s policies on gender-inclusive housing, restrooms and other accommodations.

A World of Unknowns

In an email sent to undergraduate students in the College of the Liberal Arts, Dean Clarence Lang addressed the uncertain effects President Trump’s executive orders will have on the university. He urged the campus community not to overreact about potential outcomes that could occur. Dean Lang reassured students, stating, 

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi and Interim Provost Tracy Langkilde continue to closely monitor the recent executive orders and are working diligently to understand the depth and breadth of their potential impact on the University.

– Dean Lang

The email response also provided several resources available to support those who may be concerned or need guidance during this time, including International Student and Scholar Advising, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Chaiken Center for Student Success and the Career Enrichment Network.

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