Regarding the Policy Landscape

Dear Colleagues,
 
In recent weeks, a large number of executive orders and federal policy changes have been issued. Following an election, policy changes are an expected part of our democracy. Yet today, some of these, if implemented, would have far-ranging adverse impacts on institutions of higher education and academic medical centers, including ours. These matters stand to affect our institution substantially, and I have a duty to act in support of our core interests.
 
Yesterday, I authorized that we join over a dozen plaintiff universities and associations in a suit to challenge the sudden reduction in NIH indirect costs that was announced Friday evening. The precipitous timing of this move would immediately damage the ability of our faculty, students, and staff (and those of other academic institutions and medical centers across the nation) to engage in health-related fundamental research and to discover life-saving therapies. For many, indirect costs may conjure images of administrative waste, but the truth is: this is a mechanism through which federal grants support essentials like state-of-the-art lab facilities and cybersecurity to protect data privacy.
 
I–and the leadership from across the University–are monitoring the policy developments closely. We look at each issue carefully and with an open mind. In this rapidly evolving landscape, where appropriate, the University is acting on our community’s behalf on a wide range of issues in defense of our operations and mission.
 
This is a period of contestation and change, and in such a moment it is important to keep our focus on what we treasure in UChicago. Ours is an extraordinary community where we advance our mission to create new knowledge, where we offer students a deep and meaningful education, where we forge new understanding, and where our medical enterprise offers new therapies and care for patients. This is a place where we are committed to open debate, to rigor and to excellence, and where we recognize that diversity of viewpoint and experience enriches our ability to seek truths. Realizing these values is a constant and good struggle, and academic freedom and freedom of inquiry and expression are the fundamental principles that make them possible. The work of the members of this community is important. For these reasons, since the University’s founding, this community has been committed to upholding those ideals–and will remain steadfast to honoring them.
 
Many of you have questions; local leadership across the schools, units, and divisions will have the most up-to-date information. We are collaborating with other institutions and utilizing the tools available to us to counter actions that would adversely affect our ability to fulfill our calling.
 
Sincerely,
Paul

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Paul Alivisatos
President