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 While the funding freeze was later rescinded, this disruption still had consequences for researchers on campus.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.
Related
President Trump’s first day in office
Free Speech on Penn State’s Campus: An Interview with Assistant Vice President Danny Shaha
What Does Ceasefire in Palestine Really Mean?
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your great writing due to this problem.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your feeds or even I success you get right of entry to persistently quickly.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I am commenting to make you be aware of of the fabulous discovery our princess found studying yuor web blog. She even learned so many things, which include what it’s like to have a wonderful coaching style to get others with ease fully understand various very confusing topics. You undoubtedly surpassed our expected results. Thank you for producing such beneficial, safe, informative as well as fun guidance on this topic to Jane.
As soon as I detected this site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Hi there, simply turned into aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate in the event you proceed this in future. A lot of folks will likely be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!