Humanities North Dakota, one of the many humanities councils across the nation, had been facing financial uncertainty after the abrupt cancellation of nationwide humanities grants by the executive branch. However, a federal judge recently hinted that the executive arm’s decision to dismiss the grants might have been misguided, providing a glimpse of stability for the nonprofit organization.
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), established by Congress in 1965, has served as the financial backbone of humanities councils throughout the states, honoring the nation’s engagement with arts, culture, and civic education. Humanities North Dakota and 55 other similar entities heavily rely on NEH’s donations. This whole network was destabilized when funding reversals occurred this spring, affecting funding for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
The federal body, in a surprising move, withdrew significant grant funding orchestrated for these councils early this April, causing a substantial setback. The NEH stated that this move was in alignment with the President’s new strategic agenda, intended to re-appropriate budget allocations.
In response to the funding pullback, Humanities North Dakota projected a loss of $600,000 in grant money allocated for fiscal year 2024. Withstanding the blow, the organization managed to accumulate $300,000 from private contributors to keep the operations active. Still, it was foreseeable that the financial shortfall would demand a reduction in programming.
Judge Michael Simon of the U.S. District Court in Oregon revealed in a recent court order that the executive branch’s defunding effort might be deemed illegal and possibly reversed in the future. This verdict does not ensure a refund for the purged grants; however, it does halt the federal authorities from reallocating the funds elsewhere, offering a degree of interim relief.
Brenna Gerhardt, Executive Director of Humanities North Dakota, acknowledged the future challenges following the court’s decision: the renewal of postponed initiatives, the reconnection with community allies, and making cautious budgetary choices reflecting both past instabilities and long-term commitments.
The termination of these grants is among several program eliminations executed by executive agencies, at the behest of the Department of Government Efficiency. This sweeping reform not only slashed fundings, but it also led the NEH to lay off approximately 65% of its workforce early this year, as per Judge Simon’s official order.
The actions undertaken by the Department of Government Efficiency and the NEH were met with legal opposition by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and a single member, Oregon Humanities. In their lawsuit, they allege an unfounded cancellation of funds, along with a disregard for the constitutionally anchored role of councils, aiming to ensure the reach of humanities programs across the United States.
The NEH defended its decision to withdraw grants stating these funds were linked to promoting subjects like diversity, equity and inclusion, disability accommodation, and environmental justice. These subjects stood in stark contrast to an executive order issued earlier this year aimed at eliminating such themes, reflecting a clear divergence in priorities from the President’s agenda.
Judge Michael Simon highlighted the contradiction between the administration’s actions and the intentions of Congress for the NEH. Federal law instructs this agency to champion programs that not only embody the richness of American cultural heritage but also give primacy to traditionally underrepresented scholars, educational, and cultural institutions.
The grant terminations had unforeseen consequences, hindering projects such as an Indigenous language preservation operation in Alaska, a department focusing on end-of-life care at an Ohio-based children’s hospital, and rural libraries in Oregon. ‘The halt in humanities funding has been felt acutely from the bustling metropolises to the secluded rural corners of our nation’, Judge Simon remarked.
Phoebe Stein, the chief of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, praised Judge Simon’s ruling, though she recognized that it left humanities councils temporarily underfunded. Stein stated, ‘The abrupt stoppage of funds has obliged many councils to downsize their staff and withdraw vital programs, leading to profound effects.’
In legal documentation, the NEH justifies its right to terminate funds at will if the agency concludes that a grant no longer aligns with its core priorities. However, this argument continues to stir controversy in light of Judge Simon’s decision, suggesting this legal battle may not yet be over.
The post North Dakota Humanities Council Faces Funding Challenges appeared first on Real News Now.
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