Lawsuit Filed Against NIH Over Canceled Research Grants Tied to DEI and Public Health

Researchers and unions allege the NIH's actions violate federal law, disrupt critical studies, and waste taxpayer investments.

A federal lawsuit filed in Massachusetts challenges the NIH's cancellation of at least 678 research grants, totaling over $2.4 billion in funding, including $1.3 billion already spent.
The suit, led by the ACLU and public health organizations, claims the cancellations are politically motivated and violate federal laws and congressional mandates.
Research projects on HIV, Alzheimer’s, health disparities, and other critical public health issues have been disrupted, with significant consequences for scientific progress and patient outcomes.
The lawsuit argues the NIH used vague and undefined criteria to terminate grants, undermining the integrity of the grant review process and scientific independence.
The NIH, citing a policy against commenting on pending litigation, has not responded to allegations of arbitrary and ideologically driven decision-making.