The Critical Importance of Education, Connection, and the Humanities

Last Friday, President Trump submitted his budget to Congress for the next federal fiscal year. The Administration’s budget calls for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The rationale for eliminating NEH was that its work was unnecessary. Is the work of NEH unimportant?

In looking at the enabling legislation of NEH and thinking about the pressing issues in our society, I think the work of NEH envisioned by Congress has never been more important to the people of America. Some of the ideas contained in NEH’s enabling legislation language include:

• When Government encourages humanities education, it creates and sustains a climate that encourages freedom of thought, imagination, and inquiry

• Humanities education ensures that we don’t become mindless servants of technology in our lives with our focus on science and computers

• Americans should be exposed to humanities in school and throughout their lives such that they can appreciate the aesthetic dimensions of their lives

• In achieving the orderly continuation of a free democratic society, citizens must understand the nation’s history and values to better understand the present and plan the future.

• America’s leadership in the world can’t rest solely on power, wealth, and technology but must be founded upon respect and admiration of the qualities of America as a leader of ideas, thought, and spirit.

In my conversations with people in Minnesota and when I travel across the country, I don’t believe that I’m alone in valuing the importance of Humanities in our lives and society.

There is an old political adage, “the President proposes, Congress disposes” which contemplates that while Congress takes the President’s budget into consideration, it is ultimately Congress who is responsible for determining appropriations.  

There are members of Congress who are looking to fund NEH and Humanities Councils.

Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Dina Titus (D-NV) are currently circulating a Dear Colleague Letter to generate support for funding on behalf of NEH and Humanities Councils.

If you believe that the work of NEH, as envisioned by Congress is important, I ask that you reach out your member within the United States House Representatives and our two United States Senators to let them know that you want them to sign the Dear Colleague Letter and support funding for NEH.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kevin