For Immediate Release
Rhode Island–Today, after months of coordinated preparation, AAM and a broad coalition of leading library, museum, and cultural organizations, along with the nation’s largest labor union of cultural workers, filed an amicus brief in Rhode Island v. Trump, urging the First Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold an injunction against the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through an Executive Order. The coalition, represented by Democracy Forward and Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C., emphasized that refusing to spend congressionally appropriated funds undermines vital public services and threatens communities nationwide.
“IMLS is a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural and educational life,” said Marilyn Jackson, President and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums. “As the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums, it ensures that communities across the country have access to history, science, art, and culture. Dismantling IMLS would jeopardize decades of progress and threaten the countless communities that benefit from its work. Museums contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year, support more than 726,000 American jobs, and serve as trusted spaces for learning and connection. IMLS is essential to sustaining that impact.”
IMLS is the only federal agency solely dedicated to supporting museums and libraries. Its funding and expertise enable institutions to modernize, expand access, preserve critical collections, and serve as trusted spaces for learning and connection. The Executive Order has already curtailed critical grantmaking, halted data collection, and deprived institutions of the technical expertise needed to serve the public.
ALA President Sam Helmick said, “IMLS is indispensable for libraries, museums, and cultural workers, as well as the millions of people we serve every day. We hope the court will strike down the attempt to dismantle IMLS, which the law directs to provide crucial funding, research and resources that advance our shared missions: stewarding our history, strengthening access to lifelong learning, seeding opportunity and sparking innovation for all Americans.”
Democracy Forward Senior Staff Attorney Orlando Economos said, “IMLS is the connective tissue of America’s cultural infrastructure. From preserving history and expanding access to education, to ensuring small-town libraries and major museums alike can serve their communities, IMLS plays an irreplaceable role. The administration’s attempt to dismantle this agency is not only unlawful — it would cause immediate and lasting harm to millions of Americans who rely on these institutions.
The coalition includes the American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums, Urban Libraries Council, American Association for State and Local History, American Alliance of Museums, Association of Art Museum Directors, American Public Gardens Association, Association of Children’s Museums, Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Association of Science Museum Directors, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
The case, Rhode Island v. Trump, is proceeding in the First Circuit Court of Appeals following a preliminary injunction granted by the district court. The coalition’s amicus brief urges the court to affirm that injunction, keeping IMLS operational while litigation continues.
Take Action: The Congressional appropriations process is now underway, and it is critical to make your voice heard in support of IMLS. Tell Congress to protect museum funding.
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.
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Press Contact:
Natanya Khashan
