Addressing Disinformation in Gender Research

Rapid Summary

• US Executive Order 14168, issued on January 20, 2025, ends federal funding for research that explores gender as a scientific and social construct.
• The policy mandates funding restrictions for studies beyond the “immutable biological classification” of male or female.
• Critics have characterized this order as an example of disinformation aimed at spreading falsehoods intentionally.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The implications of Executive Order 14168 are likely to be met wiht mixed scrutiny globally. For India, this policy highlights broader debates surrounding gender identity and science’s role in shaping societal norms. Indian policymakers and researchers may consider how similar restrictive measures might affect academic freedom or limit nuanced exploration of complex topics such as gender across various disciplines. While India has made strides in recognizing diverse gender identities legally-such as its recognition of transgender individuals-the move by the US underscores potential risks when ideological positions restrict scientific inquiry. Vigilance against disinformation and safeguarding academic integrity remain critical areas for India’s governance in science and education.

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