MAA to Host Community
Discussion on Cuts to Federal Funding
Tuesday May 6th, 1 pm EDT
Many of us have been shocked and appalled by the recent termination of research funding and humanities programming through the IMLS, NEH, NSF, NIH and other federal bodies. So far the Medieval Academy is aware of ten members directly affected by these cancellations, involving over $2 million in funding. There will inevitably be many more who are indirectly affected—those receiving funding through state humanities councils, for example, or those who planned to apply for NEH funding this year.
The Medieval Academy Council is naturally concerned, and has been discussing the effects of these actions on our members and field. Any MAA member whose funding, research plans, or position has been affected is encouraged to use this form to send us more information.
The Medieval Academy has also co-signed several statements by its partner organizations (the AHA/American Historical Association, the NHA/National Humanities Alliance, and the ACLS/American Council of Learned Societies), and the Executive Director has endorsed the recent AAC&U Call for Constructive Engagement.
On Tuesday, May 6th, the MAA is sponsoring a Premodernist Community Hour for scholars affected by these terminations. This informal Zoom meeting will give scholars an opportunity to talk through their concerns, exchange information about what’s happening, reinforce a sense of scholarly community, and brainstorm about how individuals or collectives might take action. The moderators will also take note of members’ concerns for reporting to the MAA Council and to partner organizations that are better resourced and positioned to advocate on behalf of the humanities in Washington. By coming together to discuss and offer mutual support, we combat a sense of isolation and powerlessness, and apply our combined skills and abilities to the common goal of defending our scholarly communities, reaffirming their cultural value, and preventing their wanton destruction.
Join us on Tuesday May 6th at 1 pm EDT for this virtual town-hall meeting.
Moderators
Alison Locke Perchuk (Chair, Advocacy Committee, Medieval Academy of America)
Carrie Beneš (Councillor, Medieval Academy of America; Co-PI, formerly-NEH-funded Sfera Project)
P.S. PIs with organizational grants directly affected by the NEH terminations of April 1 are reminded that they may request NEH review up to 30 calendar days after the date of the termination notice, i.e. May 1 (https://tinyurl.com/34tuvsry, General T&Cs XIII.B). We wish to note that cutoff date since it precedes our scheduled meeting.
