Advocacy
Since its founding in 1883, the Modern Language Association has worked to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature. The MLA advocates on behalf of students and teachers and provides resources to those seeking information about language study, scholarly publishing, the academic workforce, and much more. Through their new advocacy network, MLA Delegate Assembly members share MLA policies, guidelines, and statements with colleagues and administrators in their regions. The MLA also partners with organizations such as the National Humanities Alliance, the American Council of Learned Societies, PEN America, the Coalition for International Education, the Joint National Committee for Languages, and others to share resources to expand our advocacy efforts and strengthen our impact.
7 March 2026: The MLA, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the American Historical Association have filed a motion for summary judgment in our lawsuit seeking to reverse the dismantling of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
- Executive Council Actions
- Executive Council Actions Toolkit
- A Guide to MLA Policies and Recommendations
- Humanities Innovation Grants
- Infographics
- Letter from Past MLA Presidents: Fight Back against Attacks on Higher Ed
- MLA Pathways
- MLA Strategy Sessions
- Public Policy Resources
- Reports and Professional Guidelines
- Resources for Teaching in Times of Crisis
- Resources on Academic Freedom, Free Speech, and the Right to Protest
- Resources on Collective Action
- Resources on Legislative Threats to Higher Education
- A Video from Paula Krebs about Humanities Successes
Want to support the MLA’s advocacy work? Consider contributing to Paving the Way, which funds advocacy for the humanities and higher education during challenging times, MLA grants for innovative humanities courses and the professional development of contingent faculty members, lobbying efforts in Washington, and more.
Stay Informed
Are you interested in learning more about these advocacy efforts? Sign up here to receive advocacy alerts and be the first to know about actions you can take to defend the humanities.