Dear Rice community,
I am writing to keep you informed as to how the university is responding in light of the range of executive orders and the federal funding freeze memo for grants and other programs issued earlier this week. As you may have heard, the White House Office of Management and Budget has now rescinded the funding freeze order, which is welcome news.
We understand these developments generate questions and concerns. We have communicated directly with our faculty, staff and students who are potentially impacted by the orders. New executive orders may continue to affect other areas of the university, and we will reach out to faculty, staff and students about any specific challenges.
Research and scholarship are vital to Rice’s mission and critical to the success and wellbeing of our nation. I personally plan to convey the value and impact of our research during a trip to Washington, D.C. next week as I meet with various members of Congress who represent or have relationships with Rice.
We will keep you informed and encourage you to lean into our mission and Rice values during this time of transition and uncertainty. This means maintaining your excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities we serve. There are dedicated teams at the university monitoring and analyzing all federal developments and advocating for the important work we do. Our commitment to academic freedom — and to serving and supporting all members of the Rice community — is unwavering.
Sincerely,
President Reginald DesRoches