Save NCAR Response to the CU-DCL

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU) released its response to the NSF-DCL, proposing to replace the management of NSF NCAR with a restrictive three-university consortium consisting of CU, the University of Wyoming, and the University of Oklahoma.

In our analysis, "A Critical Review of the University of Colorado Boulder Response to the NSF-DCL," we argue the proposal is strategically defeatist and threatens to undermine the integrity of the ongoing NSF Inspector General investigation and the UCAR lawsuit. The proposal contains fundamental contradictions and conflicts of interest that could disenfranchise the 129-member university consortium currently managed by UCAR.

RE: University statement on the preservation of NCAR

March 20, 2026

To the University of Colorado Board of Regents and Office of the President:

On the day following UCAR's lawsuit to prevent the dismantling of NCAR, the University of Colorado (CU) published a statement regarding the "preservation" of the center. This statement appears to be a total capitulation to the administration’s intent and directly threatens to undermine UCAR’s legal standing. As a prominent member of the UCAR consortium, CU’s statement risks legitimizing the very actions UCAR is fighting to declare unlawful. It even suggests that this restructuring may be in our nation's best interest.

Furthermore, this statement raises serious questions about whether Representative Neguse's call for an NSF Inspector General investigation should expand to include the University of Colorado and the University of Oklahoma, in addition to the University of Wyoming.

We respectfully request that the University of Colorado retract this statement and refrain from further actions which may jeopardize the UCAR lawsuit or interfere with attempts to protect NCAR from dismantlement by the administration.

Sincerely,

Jeff Boody
hello@SaveNCAR.org