Today I received multiple email alerts from disciplinary associations participating in the National Humanities Alliance.   The issue is threatened cuts to international education programs, specifically Title VI and Fulbright-Hays. The proposed cut would slash $25 million (35%) from Title VI and Fulbright-Hays, and it has already been passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

This comes after a drastic cut in 2011 and would amount to a 63% reduction over five years.  Even if one acknowledges the need to spend taxpayer dollars more prudently, these programs are far too important to suffer cuts of this magnitude.  They are crucial for training experts in foreign languages and cultures and ensuring productive global engagement.

What’s at stake?

• A steady supply of graduates with an understanding of or deep expertise in foreign languages and cultures, international markets, world regions, and global issues;
• Our national educational and research capacity in 200 less commonly-taught languages that are critical to our ability to communicate with communities around the world;
• Opportunities to strengthen the teaching of foreign languages and cultures at the K-12 level.

Click here for more information on Title VI programs and the status of the appropriations process.

You can — and should — register your opposition to these cuts with your Congressional representatives, which can be done with ease at the following link:

Act now to prevent deep cuts to funding for international education!