Barb Solberg, Minot

As Chair of the Board of Directors for HumanitiesND, I am deeply troubled by the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) decision to cut funding to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These organizations are pillars of our nation’s cultural and intellectual fabric, supporting programs that preserve our history, celebrate our diversity, and inspire future generations.

The rationale behind suspending funds to these vital institutions remains unclear. These cuts jeopardize countless initiatives that enrich communities across the country, from small-town libraries and museums to groundbreaking arts and humanities projects. The NEH, NEA, and IMLS have long demonstrated their ability to amplify local efforts, leveraging federal dollars to create lasting impacts. Their work is not a luxury — it is an investment in the soul of our nation.

Without these resources, we risk losing access to the stories, art, and knowledge that define who we are. HumanitiesND (HND), like many other organizations, relies on this federal support to foster understanding, connection, and growth within our communities. The decision to withdraw funding undermines these efforts and sends a disheartening message about the value placed on culture and education.

Because HND funding was cut, I urge you to share your support with HND by making a “donation of hope” on the HND website to help HND sustain its efforts as it navigates the current situation. I urge policymakers to reconsider this course of action and to recognize the profound importance of the arts and humanities in shaping a vibrant, informed, and united society.

Let us not turn our backs on the institutions that preserve our past and inspire our future.