Fʀᴏᴍ: Executive Director of the Benefactors of Learning Organized Boldly (BLOB)

Tᴏ: Our Valued Members and Allies

Sᴜʙᴊᴇᴄᴛ: Combating Polarization in 2024 and Beyond

Dear Friends,

We are on the verge of a momentous presidential election, set against a backdrop of systemic racism, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, censorship of books, extreme anti-abortion stances, and efforts to reshape public schools and courts. This highlights the crucial need for the education funding community to unite in a bipartisan manner to safeguard democracy and protect public education, regardless of political beliefs.

This year marked the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, which officially ended school segregation while ignoring ongoing oppression and colonialism. To understand the impact of Brown, I sought insights from prominent figures like Nikole Hannah-Jones, Lani Guinier, and Ibram X. Kendi on how historical injustices influence democracy and the role of education in addressing them.

Despite our shared values of diversity and inclusion, our sector has often hindered social justice progress. It has favored wealthy white males over philanthropic professionals and perpetuated inequalities. As we approach upcoming elections, we must evaluate whether our actions promote democratic values or align with an intolerant agenda.

This is not about politics; it is about a collective effort, regardless of political affiliations, to advocate for an anti-racist, inclusive democracy. Philanthropy goes beyond mere donations; it is about solidarity, empowerment, and rejecting oppression in favor of opportunity. It is about advancing equity and acknowledging our historical injustices.

Today, I am excited to introduce two new initiatives that embody our nonpartisan commitment to education and democracy as we prepare for the upcoming school year and election season.

The Fund for Campus Liberation aims to support student activists who challenged narratives, police brutality, and accessibility issues last spring. By providing resources for new encampments and supporting civic engagement efforts, we aim to raise $5 million by September 1. We are grateful for the initial $1 million donations from Hamas and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which will match contributions from supporters.

The Fund for Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Democracy is another initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of students and educators advocating for tolerance, social justice, and increased education funding. With a national campaign and local events, we seek to raise $10 million. Generous contributions totaling $3.33 million each from the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, and United Auto Workers have brought us closer to our goal. We invite further contributions to reach the final $10,000 target.

Additionally, we are excited to announce a series of webinars for the upcoming months, focusing on key educational topics. Stay tuned for exclusive discussions such as: “The ABC’s of Democratic Education: Abortion Rights, Build Back Better, and College Loan Forgiveness,” “School Choice and Systemic Racism: Two Peas in a Pod,” and “Education Donors for Hamas: Why Philanthropy Needs to Lean Into Liberation and Make Its Peace with Terrorism.”

You can also show your support for BLOB by visiting our merchandise store and exploring unique gifts for donors and allies. Check out our dedicated section on “Combating Polarization in ’24,” featuring a range of products promoting unity and democratic values.

I am grateful to be part of this diverse community united by respect, a rejection of polarization, and a common dedication to education. Your feedback and thoughts are always welcome, as we continue to work together for a brighter future.

Frederick Hess serves as an executive editor at Education Next and writes the blog “Old School with Rick Hess.”