Massive Victory in Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration’s Dismantling of IMLS

Kelly, a former librarian and established blogger at STACKED, is the editor/author of two books, “(DON’T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH” and “HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD.” Her upcoming book, “BODY TALK,” is set to be published in Fall 2020. Stay updated by following her on Instagram @heykellyensen.

In a significant development, Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. has issued a temporary injunction favoring the 21 state attorneys general who took legal action against Donald Trump for dismantling the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling mandates several actions:

– The enforcement of section two of Executive Order 14238 concerning IMLS, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) shall be halted.
– Any actions related to these agencies under the Executive Order must be reversed.
– No further actions are permitted against the listed agencies.
– Terminated employees due to the Executive Order must be rehired.
– Grants must be returned to deserving recipients, except in cases of non-compliance.
– Previously withheld funds from grant recipients must be released.
– The defendants must report within seven days on their compliance with the ruling.

This decision is a significant victory for Americans and for public libraries and museums across the country, which have been concerned about federal funding. It is anticipated that the Trump administration may respond or appeal the ruling soon. Another ruling is expected in a lawsuit by the American Library Association and AFSCME against the IMLS changes. The judge in that case suggested the administration’s actions were unconstitutional.

There are still unanswered questions on how the restoration of IMLS staff and functions will proceed and how the Trump administration will pursue its goals for the institution. Stay informed with literary activism news and tools for combating censorship and supporting bookish activism!