Johns Hopkins University announced on Thursday that it will eliminate over 2,000 jobs both in the United States and abroad due to significant funding cuts. This move marks the largest layoff in the university’s history, affecting 247 domestic U.S. workers and 1,975 positions across 44 countries.
The job reductions impact the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, its medical school, and its affiliated nonprofit for international health, Jhpiego. In a statement shared with the media, the university said, “This is a difficult day for our entire community. The loss of substantial funding is forcing us to wind down critical work here in Baltimore and internationally.”
While the university did not specify the sources of the funding cuts, the reductions have significantly affected programs that focus on global health initiatives. Students and faculty expressed concern over the future of ongoing research and the communities served by these programs.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the impact this will have on both our local community and the international partners we’ve worked with for years,” said a faculty member who wished to remain anonymous.
The university is exploring alternative funding avenues to support affected programs and is providing resources to assist displaced employees. The layoffs highlight the challenges educational institutions face amid shifting economic landscapes and funding uncertainties.
