Comment from Gloria Fooks
Gloria FooksOpposeOther
Summary: The commenter argues that the proposed rule gives political appointees undue veto power over scientifically reviewed projects. They also express concern over the rule's prohibition on diversity, equity, and inclusion research and its restrictions on international scientific collaborations.
Under the new rule, peer review would not be eliminated, but political appointees—not necessarily scientists—would be required to review grants before awards are made. Critics say that effectively gives politicians veto power over projects, even when they have passed scientific peer review.
In addition to giving the administration increased authority, the proposed rule officially bans research on diversity, equity and inclusion (or gender) as a grant prerequisite and places a broad prohibition on international scientific collaborations.