January 28, 2025 — Two federal judges from the Rhode Island District Court and the Washington D.C. District Court have issued temporary restraining orders (TROs) preventing federal agencies from terminating existing research activities impacted by the recently issued executive orders or the OMB memo. The Department of Justice clarified in a notice to agencies that “Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations based on the OMB Memo or the President’s recent Executive Orders.” It is important to understand that a TRO is temporary, and the judges involved are still hearing arguments regarding its continuation. Furthermore, our understanding is that federal agencies are required to review all grants to ensure that funds are utilized in accordance with federal law. Consequently, agencies may choose to exercise their authority to pause, modify, or terminate specific activities in the future.
At this point, UCF is advising faculty to continue conducting grant-related activities for which funds have already been allocated, unless they are specifically advised that a project has been suspended or terminated. Federal agencies have issued notices to immediately cease all DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) activities.
Faculty should also exercise prudence in making additional financial commitments at this time, especially if a funded award appears to conflict with current administration priorities and executive orders.