Underground Railroad Museum Sues Over Canceled $250K Grant

The Albany center claims funding was cut due to bias and policy changes.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:28pm

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The Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, New York, has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) violated the First and Fifth Amendments by terminating a $250,000 grant due to race and viewpoint discrimination. The museum argues the sudden loss of funds is a result of the current administration's efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the current administration's policies and efforts to preserve and promote African American history and culture. The lawsuit alleges a 'systematic targeting' of programs designed to broaden the public's understanding of this history, raising concerns about the suppression of specific historical narratives.

The details

The 40-page lawsuit describes how the $250,000 grant was a cornerstone for a $12 million expansion project at the museum, which is located in the former home of legendary abolitionists Stephen and Harriet Myers. The center's founders say the grant 'validated' their mission and provided crucial financial support. However, the funding was terminated following a January 2025 executive order that mandated federal agencies purge any operations supporting DEI within 60 days.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Friday, March 22, 2026.
  • In January 2025, an executive order mandated federal agencies purge any operations supporting DEI within 60 days.
  • Approximately 1,400 grants were reportedly terminated in April 2025 following the executive order.

The players

Underground Railroad Education Center

A museum located in Albany, New York, that documents and shares local history related to the Underground Railroad.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

A federal agency that provides grants to support research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

Nina Loewenstein

An attorney representing the Underground Railroad Education Center in the lawsuit.

Lawyers for Good Government

A volunteer legal team handling the case for the Underground Railroad Education Center.

Paul and Mary Liz Stewart

The founders of the Underground Railroad Education Center.

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What they’re saying

“There is just no legitimate basis for the grant's cancellation. It is just explicitly erasing things associated with the Black race.”

— Nina Loewenstein, Attorney

“The funding 'validated who we are as an organization, what we were trying to do, and in turn sort of said to the wider world, 'This is an organization worth paying attention to.'”

— Mary Liz Stewart, Co-founder

What’s next

The court will decide whether to order the immediate reinstatement of the $250,000 grant so the Underground Railroad Education Center can continue its expansion project and community activities.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between the current administration's policies and efforts to preserve and promote African American history and culture. The case raises concerns about the potential suppression of specific historical narratives and the impact on organizations dedicated to documenting and sharing this important history.