FR 2021-03831

The document details a notice from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) regarding a series of twenty videoconference meetings scheduled for March 2021. These meetings will involve the Humanities Panel, which is responsible for reviewing, discussing, evaluating, and recommending applications for financial assistance related to various humanities disciplines under the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965. The topics to be discussed include areas such as U.S. History, Philosophy, Science, Arts, and Literature. Due to the sensitive nature of the materials involved, including personal and financial information, the meetings will be closed to the public.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A few notable issues arise from the structure and content of the document:

1. Lack of Transparency: The document does not list the individual members of the Humanities Panel, which can obscure any potential conflicts of interest. Transparency remains a cornerstone of public trust, and the absence of this information may lead to concerns about bias in decision-making.

2. Closed Meetings: Since the meetings will be closed to the public, there might be apprehensions related to the lack of external oversight. While confidentiality is crucial for protecting sensitive information, it may simultaneously limit public trust in the panel's deliberations.

3. Legal Terminology: The document contains several legal citations and references—such as 5 U.S.C. App., 552b(c)(4), and 552b(c)(6)—which may be complex or inaccessible for those without a legal background. This could hinder a broader understanding of the justifications for closing the meetings.

4. Delegation of Authority: There is a reference to a specific Delegation of Authority dating back to April 15, 2016, which authorizes the closure of these meetings. However, the document does not elaborate on the contents or the implications of this delegation, potentially leaving room for ambiguity.

5. Evaluation Criteria: The document does not specify the criteria for grant evaluations, which might open the door to perceptions of favoritism or bias. Clear criteria could improve the perceived fairness and objectivity of the process.

6. Timing: The short notice between the announcement's publication (February 24, 2021) and the start of meetings (beginning March 2, 2021) may limit opportunities for public engagement or response. A longer lead time might allow stakeholders to prepare or express concerns.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact: The non-involvement of the public due to the closed nature of the meetings may affect public trust in the NEH's administrative processes. However, protecting confidential information justifies some level of privacy in discussions.

Specific Stakeholder Impact: For researchers and organizations seeking grants, the outcomes of these meetings are critically significant. Positive impacts can include the awarding of much-needed financial assistance to deserving projects in the humanities, which can foster valuable scholarly pursuits. On the negative side, the undefined criteria and closed meetings might inadvertently result in certain applications being disadvantaged due to perceived biases or lack of transparency.

In summary, while the NEH seeks to maintain confidentiality to protect sensitive information, this document also underscores the importance of balancing privacy with transparency and stakeholder trust to ensure fair and equitable dissemination of funding within the humanities sector.