Whereas, Open access to the arts and humanities allows students of all backgrounds to acquire a broad awareness of history and cultural diversity, develop critical thinking skills, and learn empathy for human experiences of all kinds;
Whereas, Inherent in the mission of the California community colleges is the preparation of students for a rich, meaningful, and engaged life that goes beyond transfer and career preparation to helping students develop qualities of responsible citizenship;
Whereas, Federal funding for programs in the arts and humanities encourages diversity, creativity, and innovation; provides educational opportunities for underserved populations; provides oversight and accountability; and reduces barriers to public access to the arts and humanities due to income, disability, age, ethnicity, geographic location, and level of education; and
Whereas, The proposed federal budget that includes eliminating programs such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which constitute less than .01% of the federal budget[1], will not only adversely affect United States cultural leadership in the world, but also result in a less enlightened civil society;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges affirm, in the strongest possible terms, its support for federal funding of programs in the arts and humanities as vital public goods and work with the Chancellor’s Office, the Board of Governors, and other interested stakeholders to convey this message to California’s state and federal elected leaders.