Opinion: Why NIH’s policy on grants to universities with DEI programs is not cause for widespread alarm
While a new NIH policy introduces higher financial stakes and places compliance responsibility firmly with universities, it stops short of broadly dismantling DEI efforts.
The recent news that the NIH will require universities to certify their diversity programs comply with federal civil rights law created understandable anxiety in the academic community. The confusion is partly due to coverage that suggested NIH is terminating support for any universities that operate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
But reading the actual NIH notice carefully provides clarity — and perhaps some reassurance.
