July update: Keeping hope alive
We are pleased to announce that we have added a new Legal Fellow to help with the ever-increasing workload. Sangita Keshavan joins the additional staff and board members we brought on last year in response to the return of the Trump administration. She has also hit the ground running by helping to draft our response to the dangerous proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding how federal research grants are funded.
This new OMB proposal stands out as one of the most egregious anti-science efforts by the second (and first) Trump administration. It inserts political appointees into the grant review process, directing them to base decisions on whether the award would “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities,” rather than on scientific merit.
Considering the current president’s antipathy towards climate science and other areas of research, that is ominous.
The proposed changes also violate First Amendment protections for academic freedom, running roughshod over the constitutional principles that have protected scientific research from political interference for a century. CSLDF has asked that OMB withdraw its proposal.
This can all feel overwhelming. But we bring 15 years of hard-won experience to this moment, and we are actively scaling up our resources to meet the rising demand. Your support makes this possible.
During our ongoing Summer Match, all donations are being doubled–and thanks to our generous pro-science supporters, we have added an extra $12,500 to the match, bringing the total available matching funds to $52,500.
If you can, will you donate today to defend scientists against interference with their work?
We’ll be honest: 18 months of non-stop attacks like this have been exhausting. But knowing that more people are joining the fight – and that pushback frequently succeeds – is a powerful reminder that none of us are in this alone.
CSLDF has stood as a legal shield for scientists for the past 15 years. While the anti-science playbook remains largely the same–deny established science, harass researchers, spread disinformation, censor data and scientific findings–the scale of the damage has escalated now that these attacks are originating from the highest levels of the federal government.
Maintaining hope – when critical, often life-saving research and the scientists behind it are under constant attack – takes resilience. Thanks to the many courageous individuals fighting for science, the expertise of our growing legal team, and the generosity of our community, hope is well within reach.
News & Events
ESA 2026: Free Legal Consultations
July 27 – 30, 2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah
CSLDF attorneys will be offering free and confidential legal consultations at ESA2026. If you have any legal questions related to your career, research, or First Amendment or academic freedom rights, please schedule an appointment.
Trump threatens National Academies with debarment. Here’s what it is.
July 29, 2026 | E&E News
President Trump’s latest attack on NASEM represents an “escalation on the scientific and legal communities and a desperate attempt to erase the reality that man-made climate change is impacting the daily lives of all Americans,” said Chris Marchesano, CSLDF staff attorney. “Ultimately, the administration’s efforts to censor scientific consensus will not only fail, but be viewed as a shameful chapter in this nation’s history.”
CSLDF Opposes Trump Administration’s Attempts to Politicize Federal Grants
July 14, 2026 | CSLDF
CSLDF submitted one of nearly 500,000 public comments in response to the Office of Management and Budget’s bid to change how federal grants are awarded. We believe the proposal raises serious First Amendment concerns for researchers and universities, compromises scientific integrity, and undermines scientists’ ability to do their work without political interference.
We remain committed to protecting and defending scientists. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out for a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.
Your support powers our work. If you are able, please consider standing with scientists during these turbulent times–and during our Summer Match, your gift will go twice as far!