In support of the American research enterprise

Dear DU community members,  

On Monday, the University of Denver was among 24 major research universities to file a shared “friend of the court” brief in Harvard University’s lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s freezing and cancellation of its federal research funding. 

Harvard has asked the court to restore more than $2 billion in grants and contracts to the school. DU and our co-signed institutions fervently believe that the loss of federal funding for research at any institution in American higher education poses a grave threat. The loss of federal investment in research—the likes of which has placed this country on the forefront of innovation since WWII—not only undermines our ability to conduct research individually; it undermines the ecosystem of knowledge creation and innovation that takes place across universities and colleges writ large and, most vitally, threatens our standing, reputation and ability to make progress as a nation.  

By submitting this brief, we aim to help the court understand the profound impact of these actions. I encourage the community to read the brief. It outlines in clear and powerful language the history of the relationship between the federal government and higher education, the world-changing results of that partnership, and why private support can in no way replace federal investment in research. Most importantly, it clearly articulates what is at stake should American higher education lose federal funding. 

As stated in the brief, “For decades, these institutions have competed for and received federal funding for scientific research. They have leveraged those resources, along with investments of their own, to advance scientific knowledge and thereby make Americans more prosperous, healthy, and secure.” 

Much is at stake—for our faculty members, students, and for our ability to produce the scientists, thinkers, creators, and future-makers of tomorrow.  

Sincerely, 

Jeremy Haefner 
Chancellor 

Mary Clark 
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor 

Elizabeth Bullock 
Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel 

Stephanie O’Malley 
Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Community Affairs