May 2025: Federal Policy Updates

Phi Beta Kappa began with a student-driven idea that the arts and sciences could serve as a grounding and elevating force in turbulent times. Today, times are turbulent for the arts and sciences themselves as policymakers propose cuts to critical funding for higher education accessibility, scientific research, and the nation’s cultural endowments. Amid uncertainty, here are some productive ways to champion the arts and sciences.

As a college alum and member of the Society, you are uniquely positioned to champion the value of arts and sciences education—and its impact on our nation. With budget decisions looming in Congress, now is the time to act. Please join the Society in asking your U.S. Senator to protect critical higher education and cultural investments. 

• • Save the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) – For less than a postage stamp per American, NEH funds vital research, education, and cultural programs nationwide. You can also take action with our partners at the National Humanities Alliance and the State Federation of Humanities Councils.
  • Protect Scientific Research & Training – Federal research funding drives innovation, jobs, and lifesaving breakthroughs—plus, nearly 80% of voters support it. Explore how the proposed cuts to research funding might impact your community. 
  • Prevent Drastic Cuts to Financial Aid (Student Aid Alliance or ACE) – Federally funded student aid allows millions of Americans to attend college and give back to their communities
  • Oppose Steep Tax Increases on College Endowments – Colleges and universities rely on their endowments and tax-exempt status to support financial aid, fund research, and faculty positions.

Read recent Phi Beta Kappa Statements

• • “A Call to Reforge the Historic Compact Between Higher Education and the Federal Government” statement jointly signed by over 50 higher education assocations including Phi Beta Kappa
  • Phi Beta Kappa’s Statement of Support for Lawsuit Alleging Illegal Dismantling of the National Endowment for the Humanities
  • “Call for Constructive Engagement” statement jointly signed by higher education leaders including Phi Beta Kappa’s Secretary Frederick Lawrence
  • Joint statement in support of the National Endowment for the Humanities from The Phi Beta Kappa Society, American Council of Learned Societies, and Council of Graduate Schools.
  • Phi Beta Kappa’s statement about the Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education
  • Phi Beta Kappa’s statement about proposed cuts to scientific research funding

Learn about the impact of the arts, humanities, and sciences in your state and district by using the following resources:

• • National College Attainment Network State Economic Value of College Profiles
  • U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Arts & Cultural Production Satellite Account Data, U.S. and States, 2023
  • National Endowment for the Arts State Profiles
  • National Endowment for the Humanities State & Jurisdiction Impact
  • National Science Foundation by the Numbers

Stay up to date on the arts and sciences in higher education by following Phi Beta Kappa on LinkedIn  and read our latest issue of our State of the Arts & Sciences newsletter. 

National Organizations

American Academy of Arts and Sciences 

American Association for the Advancement of Science

American Council of Learned Societies 

American Council on Education 

 Association of American Colleges & Universities

Association of American Universities

Council of Graduate Schools

Council of Independent Colleges

Consortium of Social Sciences Associations

National Alliance for the Humanities

National Humanities Center

Reports and Infographics

Myths and Realities About Humanities Majors
(Humanities Works)

Strategies for Recruiting Students to the Humanities: A Comprehensive Resource
(National Humanities Alliance)

What Are You Going to Do with That?
(National Humanities Alliance)

Doubling the Maximum Pell Grant
(National Association of Student Financial Aid Adminstrators)

The Real, Long-term Labor Market Outcomes of Liberal Arts Grads
(Strada Institute for the Future of Work and Emsi)

Federal Funding for Social and Behavioral Sciences
(Association of American Universities)

It Takes More than a Major
(Association of American Colleges & Universities)

Liberal Arts Degrees and Their Value in Employment
(Association of American Colleges & Universities and National Center for Higher Education Management Systems)

Science Matters
(Science Coalition)

 Arts + Social Impact Explorer
(Americans for the Arts)

District Advocacy Guide: Engaging Humanities Advocates on a Local Level
(National Humanities Alliance)

NEH Impact Index
(Graduate Center Digital Initiatives)