NTID/RIT responds to inquiries on future of federal funding

I reached out to NTID/RIT to ask whether the college is concerned about the future of its federal funding in light of the Trump administration’s goals to cut down the size of the federal government.

NTID received just over $92 million in federal funding in 2024 and 2023.

NTID President Gerry Buckley said NTID has its own line item in the federal budget, which Congress controls. He said he understands that I’ve raised concerns because there is a lot happening and at lightning speed. Buckley said RIT/NTID has a robust government relations program and they reach out to Congressional representatives and their staffers on a regular basis. He said members of Congress from both sides of the aisle continue to express their continued support for RIT/NTID and their mission as a federal investment that works.

RIT President David Munson also sent out a message to the RIT community on changes at the federal level that may affect research programs; immigration policies; and DEI programs. I will share an excerpt that talks about NTID.

Munson said “The new administration has raised the possibility of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. If pursued, this would require 60 votes in the U.S. Senate, which seems unlikely to occur. If this does occur, the national-higher education associations with which RIT actively engages believe… funding for the NTID would be transferred to other federal agencies, where they were housed before establishing the Dept. of Education in 1980. RIT/NTID already has been in contact with Congressional leaders and supporters who have affirmed strong support for continuing NTID’s mission to provide career education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, designed to strengthen the American workforce.”

RIT/NTID said they are holding several events for students, faculty and staff to come together and ask questions and get as much clarity as possible.

That’s all that I have to share for now from RIT/NTID.