Much of our leadership in scientific and technological innovation is the product of university research funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy. This funding has enabled American scientists to pioneer groundbreaking technologies, including the Internet, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy. When considering the potential double-digit losses in research and development jobs at public and private research-intensive universities — such as Caltech, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Johns Hopkins and Florida A&M University — the layoffs, terminations and hiring freezes amount to a devastating blow to this sector.
A personal example that illustrates the impact of these sweeping cuts is my daughter’s research at one of Georgia’s top higher education research institutions. She has spent nearly a decade working on a study aimed at identifying markers to help doctors detect and treat Alzheimer’s disease at an earlier stage. The benefits to medicine and society are undeniable. However, due to the looming cuts, her program has instituted a hiring freeze and existing employees are anxious about potential layoffs. Of particular concern, the institution is uncertain whether it can continue its outreach to African Americans — a group twice as likely to develop the disease — due to the Trump administration’s fixation on dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Beyond research universities, some of the proposed cuts to the Department of Education will severely impact low-income and first-generation college students who attend community and technical colleges. From my experience as president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College, I know the devastating effect that reductions in Pell Grants and other financial assistance programs would have on these students. Additionally, the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act provides crucial funding for technical colleges and vocational schools, supporting faculty salaries, equipment purchases and curriculum development.
Our community colleges also have relied on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding to train students for careers in manufacturing, health care and skilled trades. If this funding is slashed, students may lose access to hands-on training, certifications and apprenticeships. Just as concerning, communities and businesses that depend on this type of workforce training would suffer, as colleges would no longer be able to meet their workforce needs.
Given these realities, it is nonsensical — in the name of some nebulous concept of “efficiency” — to dismantle gold-standard educational initiatives that have successfully served their purpose for decades. These programs have enabled residents to acquire essential workforce skills, allowed industries to access qualified workers without having to heavily invest in training, and helped states remain economically competitive.
With so much at stake, it is imperative that elected officials — especially governors — fulfill their sworn duties to serve the public interest. This begins with having the courage to oppose misguided policies and practices, even when they originate from leaders within their own party. They must at least attempt to defend their constituents and the institutions that underpin our nation’s economic and educational strength.
Governing’s opinion columns reflect the views of their authors and not necessarily those of Governing’s editors or management.
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