16 States File Lawsuit Against National Science Foundation for Ending DEI Support

New York Attorney General Letitia James accused the Trump administration of attacking ‘basic science and essential efforts to ensure diversity in STEM.’

New York Attorney General Letitia James in New York City on Nov. 8, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Sixteen states are suing the National Science Foundation (NSF) over the agency’s recent actions against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accused NSF of taking actions jeopardizing “America’s longstanding global leadership in STEM.”