Evan Naismith: Keep funding progressivism

At a time when reactionary forces seek to undermine an open and inclusive society, Amherst must reaffirm its commitment to institutions that uphold our progressive values. Chief among them is the Jones Library, a vital resource for knowledge, civic participation, and cultural exchange. More than just a building filled with books, the library provides English language programs, historical archives, and shared public resources that ensure every resident, regardless of background, can fully participate in community life.

By supporting the Jones Library, we affirm that access to information is a right, not a privilege. Yet, institutions like the Jones Library are under threat. The current administration has vilified the very ideals it represents — alternative viewpoints, shared public goods, and the naturalization of immigrants. With federal funding for public institutions increasingly in jeopardy, we cannot afford to wait for outside intervention. Allowing the library to falter would mean ceding ground to those who seek to divide us. We must act now to protect this pillar of our democracy.

The time to stand up is now. Amherst residents must speak with their wallets to ensure the Jones Library continues to thrive. Private donations and local funding are crucial to preserving this essential institution. A multiracial, progressive democracy does not sustain itself — it requires the active participation of those who refuse to see it dismantled.

The choice is clear: invest in our future, or allow those who fear knowledge and inclusion to dictate its terms. Let’s choose wisely.

Evan Naismith

Amherst