UIC faculty hold rally to protest federal cuts, freezes

CHICAGO — Faculty from the University of Illinois Chicago held a rally Wednesday against federal cuts and freezes.

Those that participated said if proposed cuts and freezes go through with regard to federal grants, not only will faculty and staff jobs be on the line, but student opportunities and vital programs that impact Chicago will be on the chopping block.

Those working and doing research at UIC say they depend on funding from multiple agencies within the Department of Health and Human services to train the next generation of clinicians.

They’re researching topics that include life-saving treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and how AI can be incorporated into health. They say the money that funds these projects could soon run out.

The rally was part of a national one, with similar protests taking place in Boston, Atlanta and St Louis.

The White House said last month it was pausing federal grants and loans as the Republican administration began an across-the-board ideological review.

The freeze could affect trillions of dollars and cause widespread disruption in health care research, education programs and other initiatives. Even grants that have been awarded but not spent are supposed to be halted.

“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve,” said a memo from Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Democrats and independent organizations said the move was illegal because Congress had already authorized the funding.

The Associated Press contributed to this report