President Neeli Bendapudi offered an update on Sunday about how Penn State is facing a slew of executive orders affecting higher education from President Donald Trump.

Since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, his executive branch has put forth a record-breaking quantity of executive orders, including those relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion; research; and immigration. Many of those orders have been challenged by universities and states.

Bendapudi said Penn State is working with other universities to understand the orders that threaten to change the way higher education operates in the United States.

“As you all continue in your dedicated work to advance Penn State’s mission through this period of change, please know that my administration is working around the clock to understand federal guidance and orders as they arrive,” Bendapudi wrote. “As policies continue to evolve, Penn State will remain engaged, assessing the implications and responding in a way that best serves our community.”

Bendapudi also noted that Penn State’s goals were not changing in the face of the executive orders.

“Penn State is thriving, and we will continue to do so. We have a legacy and mission of which we all can be proud,” Bendapudi said.

On Friday, February 14, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released what became known as the “Dear Colleague” memo, which said the federal government would withhold funding from institutions it deems treated certain races differently than others, often through diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

A statement from the university challenged that DOGE memo, saying that the university was committed to its DEI efforts.

“‘Dear colleague’ letters are at times sent by executive agencies to disseminate information, and, in this case, the letter lays out intended shifts in policy interpretation related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While ‘Dear colleague’ letters are not law, they are intended to clarify how the federal executive branch intends to interpret and enforce compliance with the law,” the university wrote.

“Penn State’s leadership team is in discussion to determine how this guidance might impact the University. While the University is still gathering information, it remains committed to its mission and to fostering a culture of inclusive excellence for our community. Everyone is welcome at Penn State, and we are at our strongest when we are surrounded by a diversity of thought, perspective, and experience.”

In many cases, Penn State does not yet have answers to share with the community regarding executive orders.

“It is too soon to tell what the impact of these actions will be on Penn State’s operations. We are actively seeking additional information,” reads a statement on a university webpage underneath the question, “What do recent executive actions mean for Penn State and its operations?”

Vice President for Research Andrew Read said during Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting that Penn State had recently received a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH), despite concerns that the institute would withhold federal funding. Read said he hoped that grant was a signal that pathways to financial success were opening back up for Penn State’s research programs. However, budget cuts from the NIH could cost Penn State $35.2 million, the university wrote on February 10.

In October 2024, Penn State reported it received a record $838 million in federal funding in the 2023-24 fiscal year, and most of its expenditures came from federal funds. At least six grants topped seven figures.

Folks who are interested in following Penn State’s guidance around research funding can do so here. Those who want to learn more about how Penn State is responding to efforts around research, diversity, and immigration can do so here.