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This month, significant changes were announced by the Trump Administration, impacting the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Nearly 75 percent of NEH staff have been placed on administrative leave, along with plans to eliminate certain grant categories and cancel previously approved grants that are yet to be fully funded.
In response to these actions, the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries (AEMI) coalition, which operates under the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, released a statement condemning the administration’s approach towards the NEH:
“We strongly oppose the dismantling of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This entity is unique in its mandate to ensure that the humanities are available to all Americans. The current administration’s actions not only inflict economic damage but also undermine the intent of Congress, which has legally mandated that the NEH serve the public.”
“The NEH plays a crucial role in funding educational and cultural programs across the nation, catering to diverse audiences regardless of their economic status or geographic location. It provides support to organizations in both urban and rural areas in every state, aiding various endeavors such as documentary films, radio programming, and podcasts that reflect a multitude of perspectives. This funding fosters unity among Americans, promoting shared stories and experiences that bond us as a society.”
“The decision to dismantle the NEH poses a grave threat to a critical segment of the creative workforce. Many individuals in our unions rely on NEH-supported projects for their livelihoods, including actors, directors, editors, and technicians, among others. Furthermore, NEH initiatives have often served as stepping stones for many to enter the commercial arts, providing essential skills, experience, and networking opportunities. The humanities are foundational to our films, theater, music, and more.”
“These actions have severe implications for NEH staff as well, including our colleagues in the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). The dedicated employees of the NEH have significantly contributed to the economy, despite operating with an annual budget that is a mere fraction of the overall U.S. budget. They play a vital role in the distribution of grants across a wide array of projects that embody and celebrate the diverse American experience, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.”
“Congress has allocated funding for the NEH, and it is the administration’s duty to uphold the agency’s objectives. If it fails to do so, it is imperative for Congress to intervene to reverse these detrimental actions and restore the NEH’s ability to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and aid in employment within the arts and humanities sectors.”
The AEMI coalition includes:
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE)
About the AEMI
The Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industries (AEMI) coalition consists of 12 national unions that advocate for professionals in the arts, entertainment, and media sectors. It is spearheaded by the Department for Professional Employees (DPE) and serves as the principal voice within the labor movement for public policy matters affecting these industries.
About DPE
The Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) is a coalition of 24 unions that collectively represent over four million members from various professional and technical backgrounds. These unions encompass professionals from more than 300 occupations across education, healthcare, science, engineering, technology, law, business, management, media, entertainment, arts, and public administration.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com