The $500,000 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Challenge Grant being used to renovate Bachelor Hall into a “Humanities Hub” has been revoked. Tim Melley, director of the Humanities Center, announced this removal of funds in an email shared with the humanities departments.
This change comes after recent demands from the Department of Government Efficiency to slash NEH funds and jobs, putting pressure on grant recipients.
The Bachelor Hall renovation is a two-year project that is meant to serve as a central space for humanities majors. It includes a TV studio and a 68-person multifunctional space for teaching and studying and a four story atrium entirely enclosed in glass, according to Miami University Communications. The hall itself will also expand, gaining over 10,000 square feet.
Despite the grant's termination, the renovations will continue on as planned and will be completed.
"The NEH grant was providing less than 1% of the project's funding," said Renee Baernstein, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). "[The grant's] loss, while disappointing will not slow or stop the creation of the Humanities Hub."
Melley wrote that the university is exploring appeal options, and that the CAS remains committed to the “Humanities Hub” plan.
“While the funding may be recalled, the recognition of our accomplishments and our vision for the future cannot,” Melley said.
As this story develops, an updated version with more information will be published.
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