In 2020, as the world grappled with a pandemic, it wasn’t only advances in science that helped us cope. The humanities played a crucial role in healing our minds and hearts during a time of isolation and fear.
We turned to stories, poems, songs, and art to find solace and connection. History served to provide context and understanding, while literature reminded us that we were not alone. Shared memories of culture and identity became the fabric that held us together through uncertainty.
Recognizing the importance of the humanities, the U.S. Congress established the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in 1965, during another period of crisis and division. The civil rights movement, Vietnam War, space race, and Cold War created significant societal rifts.
In response, the NEH was created to restore balance—to ensure that national progress didn’t come at the expense of our humanity. As stated in the founding legislation, “Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens. It must, therefore, foster and support a form of education and access to the arts and the humanities designed to make people of all backgrounds and wherever located masters of their technology and not its unthinking servants.”
State humanities councils emerged to actualize this vision across the country, touching both rural and urban areas, people of different political affiliations, ages, and backgrounds. The humanities are often viewed as a luxury, but they are, in fact, a vital lifeline that sustains civic life, circulating memory and meaning throughout communities.
When the heart of a nation is strong, it thrives; when weakened, everyone suffers.
This crucial conversation becomes urgent in light of the recent decision by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate humanities funding for all 50 states and 6 territories, a move that could have devastating effects.
This decision comes during Utah Humanities’ 50th anniversary, a milestone marking half a century of service to the people of Utah, supporting thousands of free events in every county. The organization prides itself on its efficiency, matching every federal dollar with at least two from other sources and partnering to deliver impactful programming.
From the Utah Humanities Book Festival events that span the state to the Museum on Main Street program which brings Smithsonian exhibits to rural areas, Utah Humanities exemplifies a commitment to cultural engagement and community strengthening.
However, the recent cuts in funding raise serious concerns. DOGE’s website showcases projected taxpayer savings, but lacks a corresponding account of the lost jobs, shuttered programs, and fractured community ties.
While proponents of the cuts liken them to necessary surgical procedures, it’s clear that removing the heart of a nation—a metaphor for the humanities—cannot be expected to yield recovery. One cannot expect a patient to heal without their heart.
The humanities are anything but peripheral; they lie at the center of what keeps a democracy alive, reminding us of our shared humanity in an era overwhelmed by algorithms and artificial intelligence, which can never replicate the essence of the human soul.
A call to action is necessary. We have a choice to prioritize people over profit, memory over metrics, and meaning over mere efficiency. The pivotal question is not whether we can afford to support the humanities, but rather if we can afford not to.
Jodi Graham, who first joined Utah Humanities in 1996 and became the Executive Director in 2018, has been a pivotal figure in advocating for these values. Her leadership and commitment to the humanities underscore the vital nature of cultural programming in Utah.
As we face unprecedented challenges, the need for the humanities has never been more apparent. It is our responsibility to raise our voices and advocate for the continued funding and support of the humanities, ensuring that our society remains vibrant, connected, and humane.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/04/18/voices-utah-cant-afford-lose-its/
