Trump Administration’s Cuts to Humanities Funding Could End Local Educational Programs, States Argue

Thousands of Maryland students and residents may lose access to local history and culture programs as state attorneys general, including Maryland’s Anthony G. Brown, push back against federal funding cuts to the humanities. A multistate legal effort is underway to halt the Trump administration’s reduction of longstanding support for state humanities councils, which provide grants, festivals, and educational programming across the country.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) abruptly scaled back its “Fed/State Partnership” program earlier this year. This program, funded annually since 1972, was created to ensure all states benefit from community-based humanities initiatives. As a result of the cuts, councils in various states have been forced to cancel events, lay off staff, and reduce educational offerings that have historically served students, libraries, and local nonprofits.

The amicus brief filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon argues that the administration’s actions are unlawful. It claims that the cuts violate federal statutes requiring NEH to support state humanities work and bypass necessary legal procedures for ending federal grants. The brief also contends the move infringes on constitutional boundaries by bypassing congressional authority over federal spending.

In Maryland, the funding loss could directly impact projects sponsored by Maryland Humanities, including Maryland History Day and One Maryland One Book, as well as partnerships with Maryland Public Television and WYPR. These initiatives serve tens of thousands of residents annually and include student competitions exploring historical topics, often integrated into school curricula through collaboration with the state education department.

A federal hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 4 in Portland, Oregon. Joining Maryland in the legal effort are 15 other states and the District of Columbia, all seeking to preserve federal support for programs they say are vital to civic education and cultural engagement.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General press release.

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