The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The lawsuit, initiated by Democracy Forward with participation from Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP, seeks to prevent the agency from being disbanded. IMLS, an independent body created by Congress in 1996, plays a crucial role in sustaining museums and libraries across the United States.
Cindy Hohl, President of the ALA, remarked on the importance of libraries, stating, “Libraries play an important role in our democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic engagement, and offering access to a variety of perspectives.” Hohl emphasized the association’s commitment to defending these values against political extremism.
Lee Saunders, AFSCME President, highlighted the significance of libraries and museums, saying, “Libraries and museums contain our collective history and knowledge, while also providing safe spaces for learning, cultural expression and access to critical public resources.” Saunders further noted the daily contributions of library workers and expressed opposition to proposed funding cuts.
IMLS, which has enjoyed bipartisan support over the years, is mandated by law to perform specific functions to support libraries and communicate vital issues to Congress. The lawsuit argues that cutting its programs would breach these legal obligations.
Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, criticized the administration’s move as harmful, stating, “Reducing the IMLS workforce would undermine the agency’s ability to faithfully execute its legal obligations, and harm the operations of libraries.” Perryman affirmed Democracy Forward’s commitment to protecting educational institutions.
In response to the executive order proposing IMLS’s dismantlement, the ALA swiftly communicated with the new acting director, cautioning against cutting legally protected programs.
Historically, Democracy Forward has engaged in efforts to defend the freedom to read across various states, including Arkansas, Florida, and Alabama, where it has challenged laws and policies perceived as threatening to libraries and educational institutions.
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