The Incident: What Research Was Removed?
The University of Delaware (UD) recently faced backlash after several research-related websites went offline, including student projects documenting the institution's ties to slavery and Black history in Newark, Delaware. These sites featured undergraduate research uncovering complex historical connections, such as the university's land grants linked to enslaved labor in the 19th century, a free Black community in the 1840s, and discrepancies in federal census records that undercounted 'term slaves'—a form of indentured servitude akin to chattel slavery prevalent in Delaware.
The removal occurred near the end of the 2025 academic year as part of a routine review of program websites. However, the timing coincided with heightened federal scrutiny on higher education institutions over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and historical reckonings, raising suspicions of external pressure.
President Laura Carlson's Admission of Mistake
In a February 5, 2026, hearing before Delaware's Joint Finance Committee (JFC), UD President Laura Carlson, who assumed office in late 2025, openly admitted the removal was 'a mistake.' She stated, 'This was not intentional and not a decision to remove academic work. It was a mistake.' Carlson emphasized that the university had been collaborating with faculty to restore access but acknowledged they 'did not move quickly enough.'
Carlson reaffirmed UD's commitment: 'We will always navigate the federal landscape responsibly, but we will not abandon our values in the process.' This candid response contrasted with initial silence, helping to de-escalate tensions during the public testimony.
Context of the Joint Finance Committee Hearing
The admission came amid a broader budget discussion where Delaware's public institutions, including UD, Delaware State University (DSU), and Delaware Technical Community College (DelTech), sought increased state funding. UD requested $2.5 million for its First State Promise scholarship and $1.5 million for healthcare education expansion in southern Delaware.
Lawmakers, led by JFC Co-Chair Sen. Trey Paradee (D-Dover, UD alumnus), grilled leaders on the research removal, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) compliance, and federal funding volatility. Paradee praised Carlson, saying, 'I just want us to remain Fighting Blue Hens, and not cowering chickens,' signaling conditional support.
- UD faced questions on preserving historical research despite political pressures.
- Sen. Marie Pinkney expressed disappointment over the incident's potential to harm academic trust.
Federal Funding Scrutiny and Grant Cuts
The scandal unfolded against a backdrop of aggressive federal actions under the Trump administration targeting higher education funding. UD reported 47 research grants cut, totaling $36.7 million, with only six restored—a 87% initial loss rate. These included National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) awards critical for biomedical and environmental research.
Cuts stemmed from executive orders scrutinizing DEI programs, foreign affiliations, and perceived ideological content. Delaware Attorney General sued to block similar NIH reductions, citing millions in losses for public universities. For faculty eyeing higher ed faculty jobs, this underscores funding instability's impact on research careers.
UD's prior $700,000 settlement in December 2024 for failing to disclose a professor's Chinese government ties further heightened scrutiny, as required by Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.
Restoration Efforts and University Response
UD swiftly restored the sites following public outcry. The university clarified it was a clerical error during website maintenance, not censorship. Faculty involved confirmed access was back online, preserving digital archives of student theses, oral histories, and data visualizations on Newark's Black past.
This incident echoes national trends, like Philadelphia removing slavery references from George Washington's site, highlighting tensions between historical truth-telling and political pressures.
Historical Context of UD's Slavery Ties
Founded in 1743 as a private academy, UD's early endowments involved enslaved labor. Student research detailed how university lands were farmed by 'term slaves' until the 1850s, with census underreporting due to bureaucratic loopholes. A 1840s free Black community near campus added layers to Newark's story, often overlooked in official narratives.
Such projects align with national efforts like the Universities Studying Slavery consortium, fostering critical thinking essential for future educators and researchers. Check higher ed career advice for roles in historical research.
Implications for Academic Freedom and Research Integrity
The episode raises alarms about academic freedom—the right to pursue inquiry without undue interference. While UD's quick correction mitigated damage, it exposed vulnerabilities: federal grants comprise 58% of UD's $751 million research budget.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Federal Scrutiny | Grant terminations, DEI audits |
| University Response | Restoration, policy reviews |
| Faculty Concerns | Chilled speech on sensitive topics |
Past UD cases, like the 2023 Danielle Dixson misconduct finding (data fabrication in marine science papers, leading to retractions), underscore the need for robust integrity protocols amid external pressures.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Faculty, Lawmakers, and Students
Faculty unions and students decried the removal as a threat to inclusive curricula. Lawmakers urged transparency, with Paradee defending UD's legacy. Nationally, similar incidents at other institutions fuel debates on balancing funding with intellectual autonomy.
- Pros of disclosure laws: Prevents foreign influence.
- Cons: Overreach into domestic historical research.
For professors navigating this, resources like Rate My Professor highlight tenure-track challenges.
Broader Impacts on Higher Education Funding
Delaware universities lost millions: DSU $4-5M in federal research. State seeks $10M for DSU operations. Amid enrollment growth and costs, institutions pivot to scholarships and workforce programs in nursing and behavioral health.
Lessons Learned and Future Outlook
UD's transparency sets a positive precedent. Recommendations include: 1) Digital archiving redundancies; 2) Clear website maintenance policies; 3) Advocacy against politicized funding. With new leadership, UD aims for $500M annual research by 2029, but stability hinges on federal relations.
For job seekers, this highlights resilient institutions. Visit higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice for opportunities. Post a job at AcademicJobs.com.
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