We have good news to share regarding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
On Monday, April 6, the Trump administration withdrew its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling in Rhode Island v. Trump. The withdrawal means that the 21 Attorneys General who filed the lawsuit to protect IMLS have prevailed. The Trump administration cannot dismantle IMLS or take further steps to eliminate the agency.
AASLH joined a coalition of museum, library, and cultural organizations in filing an amicus brief last September in support of IMLS in this lawsuit.
Despite this good news, the administration is once again seeking to eliminate the agency by submitting an FY2027 budget proposal to Congress with no funding for IMLS or the National Endowment for the Humanities. We encourage all history organizations (not individuals) to sign on to a field-wide letter in support of federal funding for these agencies. The letter is being organized by our partners at the American Alliance of Museums. The deadline to sign on is April 30.
AASLH’s efforts to champion the history field are made possible by the generous support of the history community. Become a member of AASLH or donate to our annual fund.
