Thank you, Jodi Graham, executive director of Utah Humanities, for drawing public attention to DOGE’s intention to abolish the NEH and its local affiliates.
Graham and other directors of local humanities organizations don’t have to defend their organizations alone. They have strength in numbers if the people and organizations they partner are considered. It’s been my experience that humanities organizations are fulfilling their public duties responsibly. Supporters might be discouraged from speaking up or in no position to express their support, even if they wanted to. Frustrations are high.
I want to mention some people who benefited from humanities projects. There were writing students who learned publication techniques by producing their own literary magazine, thanks to the Utah Arts Council. In central Utah, hundreds attended lecture/discussion programs on such topics as world religions, the contributions of women to our culture, and the history of education in Sanpete County, sponsored by Utah Humanities. Snow College was awarded an NEH Challenge grant for over $200,000, thanks to the director of the UEH, who guided it through the application process.
Reflecting on his honors classes, one pre-law student said: “We had these really small classes with some of the best professors and some of the best students. They challenged me… and I loved that.” The honors program existed because the college received a grant.
Utah’s humanities organizations help individuals and institutions address their communities’ needs. Their record of public service is stellar.
Utah Humanities is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Fifty years! I hope DOGE fails to turn off its lights. The need is there, the work vital. As Jodi Graham argued, the NEH was created to restore balance, steady a divided country, and ensure that progress serves humanity. Our local humanities organizations help us keep our national spirit alive, healthy, and purposeful. They have earned our support.
Susan Burdet, Salt Lake City
