Duke University will implement cost-cutting measures, which include hiring freezes, as federal funding threats shadow the institution, according to communications to faculty and staff.

The email, sent by administrators, was sent to make sure the university’s financial health is secured for the long term. It added that essential renovations, work studies and critical hires wouldn’t be affected by the cuts.

What You Need To Know

  • Duke University will implement cost-cutting measures following federal aid reimbursment caps 

  • The communications did not specify when the cost-cutting measures would start

  • Recent inquiries about prestigious schools such as Duke have been focused on a nonprofit called the PhD Project

The communications did not specify when the cost-cutting measures would start.

"I understand that you likely will have questions about what this may mean for the university and for you individually, and that the uncertainty involved with the changes affecting colleges and universities nationwide, including Duke, may be stressful," Duke President Vincent Price said Thursday. "We are committed to moving this planning response forward in a thoughtful, holistic, and expeditious manner."

Price added that the moment in the university's history was "critically important," saying the university's response will be guided by its mission and values.

In Februrary, Duke’s Vice President for Research & Innovation Jenny Lodge wrote a letter to the research community following an announcement from the National Institutes of Health capping reimbursement costs at 15%.

“This abrupt shift in policy would significantly slow or halt discovery in critical areas such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, infectious diseases and pediatric health, eliminating roughly $194 million in annual research funding from NIH at Duke alone,“ Lodge said.

Duke is one of over 50 universities being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump’s campaign to end diversity and equity programs that his officials say exclude white and Asian American students.

Recent inquiries about prestigious schools such as Duke have been focused on a nonprofit called the PhD Project. It helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business with the goal of diversifying the business world.

The news follows recent rallies held outside U.S. Education Department in Washington, D.C. last week after the department fired 1,300 employees. The agency supports 50 million American children in public K-12 schools.