On October 2, arts and education leaders gathered at McCarter Theatre in Princeton to address urgent challenges from federal funding cuts and growing censorship threats. Representatives from Young Audiences NJ & Eastern PA, McCarter Theatre, Morven Museum, and the NJ Department of Education shared how these pressures are already impacting cultural institutions, schools, and non-profits but especially children. Dr. Rosetta Treece of Hopewell Valley School District highlighted tough choices: “Cut teachers or cut vital arts programming.” Michele Russo from Young Audiences noted the ripple effects, including layoffs of arts specialists, while Morven Museum shared that reduced grant funding limits programs and local economic impact. Martin Miller of McCarter Theatre warned, “We can’t just solve this challenge state by state… that will lead to cultural deserts across the country.” Leaders also stressed standing firm against pressures to “sanitize” history, with Assistant Commissioner Jorde...