Federal Advocacy & Public Policy

Advocates on Capitol Hill Unite in Support of Music Education

“United Through Music: Shaping Policy to Impact Futures” By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy Music education has long played a vital role in public schools across…

Appeal Regarding Anti-DEI in Educational Institutions Dropped by Trump Administration

Appeal Regarding Anti-DEI in Educational Institutions Dropped by Trump Administration By Jazzmone Sutton, NAfME Senior Manager of State Advocacy and Equity On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education…

Redefining “Professional Student”: Why It Matters for Future Music Educators

Redefining “Professional Student” and Why It Matters for Future Music Educators By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy In July 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful…

Music Education Advocacy Pays Off

Music Education Advocacy Pays Off Federal Funding Preserved for FY 2026 By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy After months of intense advocacy and lingering uncertainty, the much-anticipated…

Arts Education Alliance Statement on U.S. Department of Education Program Transfers

Arts Education Alliance Statement on U.S. Department of Education Program Transfers November 2025 The Arts Education Alliance is sounding the alarm over the Trump Administration’s recent decision to move several…

As the Shutdown Ends, the Push for Arts Education Funding Continues

As the Shutdown Ends, the Push for Arts Education Funding Continues By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy After 43 days of uncertainty, the longest government shutdown…

Higher Education at a Turning Point: Policy Shifts Shaping the Future of Dance Education 

Higher Education at a Turning Point Policy Shifts Shaping the Future of Dance Education  Amanda Karhuse’s Policy Update from the National Dance Education Organization’s (NDEO) 2025 National Conference By Amber…

Federal Budget Update: What Proposed FY 2026 Education Cuts Mean for the Arts

Federal Budget Update What Proposed FY 2026 Education Cuts Mean for the Arts By Amber Friel, NAfME Communications Manager, Advocacy and Public Policy As the federal government winds down Fiscal…

Application Window Open for the Assistance for Arts Education Program

Application Window Open for the Assistance for Arts Education Program Deadline Is August 25 The U.S. Department of Education has issued a notice inviting applications for the Assistance for Arts…

U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee Members Propose Cuts to Title I, U.S. Department of Education

How Music Education Advocates Can Make a Difference Now Updated September 2, 2025 The U.S. House Labor-HHS-Education bill includes deep cuts to education title programs which would negatively impact music…