On March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order intended to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an agency that plays a crucial role in supporting museums and libraries nationwide. Then on March 31, the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave, raising concerns about the agency’s ability to fulfill its legal obligations to distribute congressionally appropriated funds. This uncertainty puts museums, libraries, and communities nationwide at risk of losing essential resources.
In the natural sciences, IMLS supports not only natural history museums but also living collections, such as botanic gardens. It is critical for members of the natural science collections community to communicate with their lawmakers about the far-reaching impacts of these actions and the importance of sustained IMLS funding for natural science collections.
Please take a few moments to call and write to your members of Congress using the provided template letter and phone call script urging them to take immediate action to protect IMLS from harmful funding and staffing cuts.