Gallaudet University Suspends Ombuds Office

Gallaudet University has suspended the work of its Ombuds Office, with a promise to restore the service in the fall of 2026. The move was apparently promoted by a budget crises as the new presidential administration slashed spending on the federally chartered university. (Federal funding makes up nearly two thirds of Gallaudet operating budget.) Here is the text of an announcement from Gallaudet's President to the campus:

We want to share an important update regarding the Gallaudet University Ombuds Office. Due to current financial constraints, we have made the difficult decision to pause Ombuds services, with the goal of reopening the Ombuds Office during the fall of 2026. This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the value the Ombuds Office has provided to our community. We look forward to meeting our goal of reinstating the office.

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We deeply appreciate the interim Ombuds team for their support over the past few months. As we continue to asses the future of the Ombuds Office, we welcome your feedback through an anonymous survey. Your insights will help shape the office's ongoing development to best serve the Gallaudet University and Clerc Center community.

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