Following reports of the Trump administration freezing more than $1 billion in funding from Cornell, University administrators released a Monday evening statement clarifying that they were “aware of [the] media reports” but had “not received information that would confirm this figure.”
Cornell saw more than 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense on Monday related to Cornell research “that is profoundly significant to American national defense, cybersecurity, and health,” according to the statement.
Stop-work orders are directions from a contracting officer to a contractor to stop all or parts of work “for a period of 90 days after the order is delivered.” The contractor under a stop-work order is required to immediately comply.
Administrators explained that among the different research projects that were immediately halted include research into jet engines, information networks, superconductors, robotics, propulsion systems and space and satellite communications, in addition to research on cancer.
“[This research is] work of significance for our national defense, the competitiveness of our economy, and the health of our citizens,” the statement reads.
The administrators emphasized that Cornell is a “land-grant university that serves New York state and the nation,” explaining that the University has worked to create an environment where all viewpoints and individuals are “protected and respected.”
“We are committed to working with our federal partners to continue the contributions made by our scientists and scholars,” the statement reads.
Administrators explained that they are “actively seeking information from federal officials” relating to the funding freeze and the “basis for these decisions.”
Matthew Kiviat is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is the assistant managing editor for the 143rd Editorial Board and was a news editor for the 142nd Editorial Board. He can be reached at mkiviat@cornellsun.com.
