Lawmakers Condemn Steps Against USAID in Historic Partnership with Delaware State University
Delaware’s congressional delegation has spoken out against the moves to close USAID, following an unexpected interpretation of a freeze on foreign assistance by the Trump administration. The closure has led to confusion over exemptions from the stop-work order, creating fear of losing U.S. aid permanently and impacting aid and development work globally.
In October 2021, USAID signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Delaware State University, supporting the Feed the Future program to combat global hunger. The partnership has provided DSU students with research fellowships and opportunities to develop solutions for food and water security issues around the world.
DSU President Tony Allen has expressed concern about the potential impact on students, scholarships, and research under the MOU. The university has collaborated on projects such as the Feed the Future Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab, receiving a $22 million grant for crop research. DSU graduate students have also participated in prestigious programs like the Payne International Development Fellowship.
Despite these achievements, the closure of USAID has put these programs at risk. DSU has not provided details on how the partnership will be affected, leading to uncertainty among students and researchers. The impact of the agency’s closure on other projects, like the Payne Fellowship Program, remains unclear.
With concerns over the future of these vital programs, lawmakers and stakeholders are urging the Biden administration to take action to safeguard USAID and continue its important work in combating global challenges.
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