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A group of officials at the National Endowment for the Arts are resigning. Credit…Graeme Sloan/Sipa via Associated Press
To the Editor:
Re “Trump Seeks to Eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts” (news article, nytimes.com, May 2) and “Top Officials at National Endowment for Arts Resign Amid Cuts by Trump” (news article, May 7):
I can’t say I was surprised by President Trump’s proposal to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Autocrats scorn art for its ability to speak truth to power. They know that art can mobilize and unite, inspire and defy. Yes, art challenges authority, and it’s pretty clear by now that Mr. Trump assails all challengers.
As a high school teacher over the last 28 years, I’ve been fortunate to take part in N.E.H. programming, specifically its Summer Institutes and its Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshops.
At these gatherings of teachers and experts from around the country, I’ve deepened my knowledge of literature, history, music and geography. I’ve exchanged ideas with other educators. I’ve developed lasting friendships. I’ve honed my expertise. Thousands of my students have enjoyed enriched lessons thanks to my involvement in N.E.H.-funded institutes and workshops.
With a crumbling education system and a shrinking teacher pipeline in much of America, isn’t such programming the very antidote to failure?
The slash-and-burn approach of this administration doesn’t just undermine our economy, our social safety nets, our historic preservation and our scientific research and advancement. It also leaves in ashes the democratic values — wisdom, vision, creativity, innovation — that create an engaged citizenry.
Of course, that’s all part of the plan. A disengaged, fearful, overwhelmed citizenry is so much easier to control.
