Litigious Action Taken by The Authors Guild Against the National Endowment for the Humanities and Department of Government Productivity
Grants Worth Millions Controversially Terminated: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against NEH
A coalition of literary organizations, scholars, and writers have filed a class action lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and relevant government officials for annulling numerous grants granted through Congressional funds.
The lawsuit asserts that such actions are in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, infringing upon the Constitution's guarantees of the separation of powers and freedom of expression. The litigation demands a halt to the large-scale grant terminations, the restoration of funds to the grantees, and a Government mandate to operate the NEH in accordance with Congress's original intent: to preserve and honor America's multicultural artistic heritage while supporting innovative ideas.
In a public statement, Ralph Eubanks, president of the Authors Guild, expressed concern over the grant cancellations, which he deems administratively questionable and morally untenable. "Withdrawing funds mid-project has left hundreds of scholars financially and professionally exposed, jeopardizing their professional advancement and personal investments," Eubanks stated.
Nicole D. Jenkins, a researcher with an upcoming ethnographic book under contract with Princeton University Press, expressed personal losses in a statement. "The unexpected termination of my grant has significantly impaired my ability to complete my research and has had adverse effects on my tenure timeline, reputation, and finances," Jenkins noted.
The lawsuit was instigated by the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Fairmark Partners, LLP on behalf of individuals who have had their grants abruptly terminated recently, including funding recipients under the Public Scholar, Fellowship, Summer Stipend, and similar NEH programs.
The grants were withdrawn following the extreme cuts announced last month by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration.
Since its establishment in 1965, the NEH has granted over $6 billion to various organizations, including museums, libraries, universities, and related entities. Through its initiatives, the NEH has long backed a variety of creative projects. The NEH was founded under the same legislation as the National Endowment for the Arts, which offers financial aid for projects, shows, and exhibitions displaying excellence.
Recent events have seen several art directors and senior leaders abandon the NEH, while regional arts organizations across the country have criticized the recent cuts. This lawsuit marks the latest in a series of legal challenges, with three humanities organizations suing the NEH earlier in the month over its dismantling.
[Enrichment Data Relevance Evaluation: The Enrichment Data details the depth and range of affected parties and the specific allegations made in the lawsuit, which may be helpful for context, but it is important to avoid overwhelming the article with excessive legal jargon and unnecessary detail. Instead, summarize the key points briefly and integrate the necessary information when discussing the lawsuit's background and objectives.]
This lawsuit targets the sudden termination of grants, which has brought about widespread disruption in the humanities sector, impacting educational institutions, libraries, and individual researchers nationwide. The litigation aims to bring an end to the grant cancellations, re-establish the terminated grants, divisions, and staff resources at the NEH, and press the federal government to operate the NEH in accordance with congressional intent. Plaintiffs argue that the agency has acted beyond its authority and in violation of established laws that secure the NEH's independence and mission as set by Congress. The outcome of the litigation may impact the bounds of executive power over independent grant-making cultural and educational bodies.
As of late May 2025, the lawsuits are active, with plaintiffs seeking swift relief and grant fund and NEH program restoration. Plaintiffs are not adding additional parties to speed up the process. In addition, organizations like the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the National Humanities Alliance have lent support for the legal response's coordination, and a comprehensive database of canceled NEH grants has been created by the Association for Computers and the Humanities to illustrate the scope of terminations. Advocacy efforts include calls for Congress to reaffirm and appropriate funding for the NEH to fully restore its objectives.
- The class action lawsuit filed against the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by a coalition of literary organizations, scholars, and writers intends to halt the termination of grants, specifically those under the Public Scholar, Fellowship, Summer Stipend, and similar NEH programs.
- The litigation, rooted in the Administrative Procedure Act and Constitutional guarantees of separation of powers and freedom of expression, aims to re-establish the terminated grants, divisions, and staff resources at the NEH, ensuring its operations align with congressional intent.
- The lawsuit, which may influence the bounds of executive power over independent grant-making cultural and educational bodies, aims to provide education, self-development, and general news through the arts, supporting innovation and preserving America's multicultural artistic heritage.
