Advocacy
ACLS Submits Comments on the Proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
On Monday, July 13, 2026, ACLS submitted its comments on the proposed Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The far-reaching overhaul proposes giving political appointees authority over grant approvals and allowing projects to be terminated if they “promote anti-American values.” OMB called for public comment on the proposed changes on May 29, and the public comment period closed on July 13.
“On the basis of our longstanding position as a leader in and voice for humanistic scholarship, ACLS strongly opposes key parts of the proposed changes to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. We urge the Office to withdraw the proposal. We believe the proposed alterations to the current Guidance would distort and damage American public knowledge by politicizing the grant process and by weakening international collaboration. They undermine the academic freedom that has made the United States a beacon for scholars and scientists all over the world for generations.” ACLS President Joy Connolly
Full ACLS Comment
Read the Letter