MESSAGE ON NAVIGATING RECENT FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ACTIONS
Dear Members of the Duke Community,
We write to acknowledge the concern and uncertainty surrounding the recent executive orders issued by the administration and yesterday’s directive from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) calling for the pause and evaluation of federal funding programs. These actions impact areas central to Duke’s mission and operations, and we want to assure you that our senior leadership team is actively monitoring the situation and working diligently to assess potential implications.
Our Offices of the Provost, Research & Innovation, Institutional Equity, Student Affairs, Government Relations, Public Affairs, University Counsel, Deans and others are collaborating to analyze the potential impacts of these actions. We are also working with our federal contacts and associations to determine potential next steps. Over the coming weeks, we expect to receive further clarification from oversight agencies, which will better inform any adjustments that are needed. Jenny Lodge, vice president for research and innovation, will share more guidance directly with the research community.
For now, we ask for your patience as we work to understand the implications of these directives fully. Until we provide clearer guidance, we recommend refraining from making adjustments to policies and practices. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available, and we encourage you to share this message within your areas.
Please know that we remain deeply committed to Duke’s core values, which fuel our mission in research, education, and healthcare. This commitment will guide us as we continue to serve our community with integrity and purpose while adhering to the law.
We appreciate your understanding and trust as we navigate the path ahead together.
With appreciation,
Alec D. Gallimore
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Mary E. Klotman
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, School of Medicine
Daniel G. Ennis
Executive Vice President