Canadian academics who are making applications for U.S. government-paid grants are running into a shocking and politically charged series of questions. As many researchers urgently scrambling to apply can tell you, this unexpected new creation has caught the research community flat-footed. Then the Trump administration launched this massive academic crackdown. In doing so, the new questionnaire hopes to support the implementation of executive orders advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
The form will help you answer these key questions. It asks how the research will assist the U.S. compete in mineral extraction and whether the project aims to “protect women from gender ideology.” These questions have led many to worry about what the questionnaire portends for international academic work overall, and specifically for scholars in Canada.
A New Dimension to Grant Applications
As Canadian academics would soon learn, the introduction of this sensitive questionnaire has created another layer of complexity and frustration to the already arduous application process. Not used to this more layered approach, many scientists are left trying to understand the ideological undercurrents of the queries. Canadian academic Peter McInnis recently wrote about his shock at having received such a form.
“Most unusual, not only just to receive a questionnaire at all, but this one was clearly screening for ideological questions.” – Peter McInnis
The questions are linked to Trump’s executive orders, which seek to limit funding for programs dealing with diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of the questions even directly addresses the new executive order to try and defund such initiatives.
“Asks one question, with an accompanying link to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to nix funding from government programs dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion.” – (unattributed)
Concerns and Implications
Even so, the questionnaire has raised alarm with good reason over its long-term consequences. Researchers are put in a position where they have to make hard choices on whether to continue their work or lose potentially vital funding. This ideological test, it has been argued, will do serious damage by undermining academic inquiry and academic freedom.
It’s a terrible state of affairs, “not healthy” said Maïca Poirier Murphy, research manager at Higher Education Strategy Associates.
“Fundamental or basic research is curiosity driven. So that’s without kind of a stated application at the outset. That doesn’t mean that it has no applicability, of course,” – Maïca Poirier Murphy
The release of this questionnaire has opened up larger questions about the intentions behind the Trump administration’s moves. The vague nature of the open-ended questions could incentivize academics to mold their scholarship toward particular ideologies. This is especially devastating in areas like health, science, agriculture, and climate research.
“And they said that they will no longer fund anything to do with climate and health effects of climate. So this questionnaire suddenly takes on much more serious consequences.” – Peter McInnis
A Potential Shift in Academic Landscapes
As difficult as the questionnaire has been for Canadian academics, there are tremendous opportunities ahead in Canada. These circumstances will likely drive some of the most talented researchers to look at Canada as a more welcoming place for their endeavors. The broader climate across the U.S. is changing too. As a result, world-class researchers are now turning their attention to Canada as the best place to pursue their research.
Even today, misconceptions about the questionnaire still run high. Gabriel Miller, Executive Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth, focused on the need for more clarity amidst these exciting developments.
“Like a lot of things happening in the United States right now, there’s a huge amount of confusion surrounding this questionnaire. And so part of what we need to do is get more information. And so we’re working with the federal government to try and get more answers.” – Gabriel Miller
