University president Jonathan Levin ’94 and Provost Jenny Martinez affirmed the University’s commitment to research, academic freedom, differing backgrounds and “the value of universities,” in an email to the community on Monday.
Levin and Martinez’s email also assured the community that they continue to advocate for the importance of federal research funding in the wake of announced cuts and are working to sustain “excellence in multiple budget scenarios.”
They also outlined these guiding principles in response to “federal policy issues challenging the university,” according to the statement. Earlier this year, the Trump administration announced changes to research funding provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), targeting research institutions and universities. As a result of the cuts, Stanford was estimated to lose $160 million in federal funding.
In addition to the NIH cuts, congressional Republicans have also floated instituting higher endowment taxes on private institutions. A list of House priorities leaked in January suggested raising the endowment tax to 14%. U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas introduced a bill that would raise the endowment tax to 21%.
With a $37.6 billion endowment, Stanford has one of the largest endowments of any U.S. college or university. In response to the funding cut and proposed endowment taxes, Stanford announced a University hiring freeze in late February.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies also threaten international students, who could face deportation risks based on foreign policy views or involvement in protests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department had already revoked 300 primarily student visas, targeting student activists.
Acknowledging the value of collaboration, Levin and Martinez committed to sponsoring town halls to address concerns about federal funding and resources for international students.
Last week, the Trump administration opened a federal investigation into Stanford’s admissions policies, reviewing Stanford’s compliance with the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision SFFA v. Harvard/UNC, which overturned affirmative action.
Stanford is not the only university affected by new federal policies. Columbia University agreed to change its policies on student protests and mask wearing after the Trump administration threatened to freeze over $400 million in federal funds. On Monday, the administration announced a similar investigation of Harvard’s federal funding, in which it will review $255 million dollars in contracts and $8.7 billion in grant commitments.
Levin and Martinez committed to advocating for the value of universities in public and private settings. “The creativity, dynamism, and leadership of this country depend on the strength of American universities,” they wrote. “It is essential that we address criticisms with reflection and humility, and restore public trust.”