ALA Settles Lawsuit in Case Against Trump’s Dismantling of IMLS
Earlier this week, the Trump administration I gave up my appeal rhode island vs trumpOne of two cases filed against the regime after it destroyed the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) last March. Now, just a few days later, the outcome of the second case brought to court regarding the destruction of IMLS has also come. The plaintiffs, the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), have settled their case against Keith Sonderling (Sonderling, at the time of the initial filing, served as IMLS acting director, but no longer holds that position, even though he continues to serve unofficially in this role).
settlement in ALA vs Sonderling Follows the outcome of Rhode Island v. Trump. The agency cannot be further dismantled under executive orders. In addition, the agency will continue its work in distributing grants, conducting research, and supporting public libraries and museums across the country.
ALA vs Sonderling The agreement also states that the IMLS will not be subject to further reduction in force (RIF). The agency, which had 98 staff members, was reduced to 40 in factionalism.
Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, said in a press release, “When the administration began closing IMLS last year, it set off a chain reaction. Libraries across the country began cutting hours, staff, and the services people rely on — after-school programs, support for job seekers, and connections for older adults.” “This agreement protects life-changing library services for communities across the country. ALA will continue to protect every American’s freedom to read and learn.”
Although this week brought two important victories for libraries and IMLS that are worth celebrating, it is important to note that the administration was responsible for the settlement in this case and the termination of their appeal. Rhode Island-Not due to change in administrative priorities. IMLS is defunded, for the second year in a row, by Trump’s budget. The FY 2027 proposal once again seeks to completely weaken the agency. When it was proposed for the fiscal year 2026 budget, it took advocates 10 months to restore agency funding. Now is the time to continue to contact your representatives in Congress about defunding the agency in 2026, and you can take that action by asking your representatives to strongly oppose House Resolution 7661. National Book Ban Bill.
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The fight continues, but thanks to the actions of the plaintiffs in both of these federal cases, it is clear that there is judicial consensus on the merits and value of IMLS.
The full timeline of IMLS resolution is available here And will keep updating.