A recent government spending report revealed that Northwestern University received a $3.3 million federal science grant that included funding for “safe space ambassadors,” drawing renewed criticism over the use of taxpayer dollars for ideological programming in higher education.
The spending was highlighted in Sen. Rand Paul’s annual Festivus Report, which catalogs what his office identifies as wasteful or questionable federal expenditures. The report points to the Northwestern grant as an example of research dollars being diverted from traditional scientific priorities toward diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The funding was awarded to Northwestern University through a federal program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. According to project descriptions, the grant supported the university’s NURTURE program, which sought to recruit new faculty while emphasizing mentorship, “inclusive excellence,” and community-building efforts. As part of the initiative, “safe space ambassadors” were assigned to assist faculty cohorts with onboarding and professional development.
Critics argue that such programs reflect a broader trend in academia where diversity, equity, and inclusion goals overshadow merit-based research. Fiscal watchdog group Open the Books stated that taxpayer-funded science grants should focus on measurable research outcomes rather than cultural or ideological initiatives. The organization also questioned why a university with a multibillion-dollar endowment required significant federal support for these efforts.
The grant was originally part of a larger funding package that could have reached more than $10 million over several years. However, the Department of Health and Human Services terminated the grant on April 8, 2025, following a change in administration.
Northwestern University did not respond to requests for comment regarding the grant or its termination. The issue continues to fuel debate over federal oversight of research funding and the proper role of government in higher education.
