Michael Hardt: Duke University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors on Duke Layoffs

Duke University is bracing for more voluntary layoffs and possibly involuntary separations throughout the summer, as it faces major financial pressures tied to changes in federal funding. In a recent message to the campus, Duke President Vincent Price described the funding cuts as having “dire implications” for the university’s operations and workforce.

Michael Hardt, a professor at Duke and a representative of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), joined Jeff Hamlin to express concern over the process. He emphasized that many faculty and staff feel left in the dark about how decisions are being made. Hardt pointed to similarities between Duke’s handling of layoffs and those conducted in certain federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOGE), which have also drawn criticism for lacking transparency.

Hardt is calling on Duke leadership to provide clearer communication, release data justifying the layoffs, and involve faculty in decision-making. He warned that the university’s reputation for shared governance and academic integrity could be damaged if cuts continue without more openness and accountability.