The humanities deepen our understanding of the world and inform the decisions that shape it. With support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Vanderbilt scholars explore history, culture and philosophy in ways that connect past and present—work that two undergraduates took to Capitol Hill to advocate for this spring.
Two students from the Robert Penn Warren Center’s Humanities in the Real World Fellowship traveled to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in the National Humanities Alliance’s Humanities Advocacy Day. Sponsored by Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations, they joined scholars and advocates nationwide to highlight the importance of federal investment in the humanities through the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Making the case for humanities funding
Students Cady Butcher and Jaylan Sims talked about Vanderbilt’s humanities initiatives supported by NEH funding while meeting with the offices of Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., BA'81, JD'84, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., BA'71. At Vanderbilt, the NEH has supported interdisciplinary projects that preserve historical records of Africans in the Atlantic World, ensuring broader access to critical primary sources, and work to unearth archaeological sites with AI, extending beyond campus and influencing our understanding of the world.
Insights from students
The students also made the case for how the humanities are preparing them for their future careers. “It is important for doctors to receive humanities training to gain cultural competency and build relationships with the people they are treating. Many doctors don't understand a community's prior history and rarely look to it for insights on how to best treat individuals,” said Butcher, a junior studying biology and English on a pre-med track. "Federal support for the humanities funds training and research programs that help bridge the gap between medical professionals and the public."
“Advocacy for the humanities isn’t just for academics or policymakers—it’s for all of us. Students, especially those in journalism, communications and digital media, should recognize that the humanities fuel our ability to tell compelling stories, challenge dominant narratives and ensure a diversity of voices in public discourse,” said Sims, a junior studying communication and communication of science and technology. “Engaging with lawmakers demystified the policy process for me and showed that young professionals have a seat at the table if they claim it.”
Advocating for federal support
"Stories have the power to bring policy issues to life for lawmakers. When students and scholars share firsthand how NEH funding shapes their research and education, it personalizes the impact of federal investment in the humanities," said Julie Harding, government relations program coordinator. "These conversations help legislators see that supporting the humanities isn’t just about funding projects—it’s about preserving our history, enriching our culture and preparing future leaders."
By supporting initiatives like the National Humanities Alliance’s Advocacy Day, Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations champions the importance of federal investment in the NEH. Through ongoing outreach to lawmakers, the university advocates for the humanities’ vital contributions to education and research.
Learn more about the university’s research advocacy priorities on the Office of Federal Relations website.