Following months of preparation and collaboration, on September 3 AASLH and a coalition of museum, library, and cultural organizations jointly filed an amicus brief in Rhode Island v. Trump, the lawsuit brought by 21 state attorneys generals to combat White House efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The coalition behind the amicus filing, which also included the American Library Association (ALA), American Alliance of Museums, and many other leading organizations, was represented by Democracy Forward and Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C.

An amicus brief is a legal document filed by those who are not parties to a case but have an interest in its outcome. Amicus briefs offer additional information, context, and expertise that can help influence the court's decision.

The amicus filing comes as Rhode Island v. Trump proceeds to the federal appellate level after a district court granted a preliminary injunction blocking White House action against IMLS. (A parallel lawsuit brought to protect IMLS, ALA v. Sonderling, was unsuccessful in securing an injunction at the district level and is awaiting further action.) After being approached to join the amicus brief, AASLH helped shape the brief's narrative and played a central role in coordinating participation among the nation's foremost museum associations.

We strongly encourage you to read the amicus brief in full. Not only does it provide data, case studies, and arguments that may be useful in your own advocacy efforts, but it offers an inspiring example of action and connection in a difficult moment. As the White House continues to endanger the integrity and autonomy of the history field, we can find strength and solidarity by working across sectors to face shared threats.

In asking the First Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm the preliminary injunction, the amicus brief paints a compelling portrait of IMLS's centrality to our nation's cultural and educational fabric. Through mass layoffs, cancelled grants, halted research, and more, the brief illustrates how the White House has unlawfully decimated vital IMLS resources and expertise that help American museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions meaningfully engage the public.

This includes the crucial role IMLS plays in supporting America's 21,000 history organizations, which serve and enrich communities nationwide, from small towns to major urban centers. Gutting IMLS severely limits the ability of the history field to help the public learn from our past and envision our future. This is especially important on the eve of the country's 250th anniversary. Now is the time to build up—not break down—our historical infrastructure as part of our collective journey towards a more perfect Union.

What You Can Do

While Rhode Island v. Trump is an important step to help protect IMLS, legal action is just one avenue for doing so. Ultimately, the agency's future depends upon the Congressional appropriations process. With that process underway now, it is critical for our field to encourage our Representatives and Senators to continue to fund IMLS. Click here to learn more and contact Congress.

AASLH remains committed to defending the history field in this challenging time. If you'd like to support this work, please consider donating or becoming a member today.