In June 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision that effectively ended race-conscious admission programs (Affirmative Action) in higher education. The decision was one of several recent attacks on efforts to advance racial justice and heal from centuries of racism. Just a few months after the SCOTUS decision, The Fearless Foundation, a 501c3 organization that provides capital, community, mentorship, and education to women of color entrepreneurs, was sued, alleging its Fearless Strivers Grant program was ‘racially exclusionary’ and a violation of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. 

The SCOTUS Affirmative Action decision and the ongoing The Fearless Foundation litigation (among other cases) have raised concerns in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors at a time when funders must not retreat from commitments and investments to support racial justice. 

Join our panel of experts from philanthropy and law as we review the legal landscape of these attacks and discuss potential implications and actions for the philanthropic sector.  

MODERATOR

Dr. Amber Banks – Decolonizing Wealth Project

PANELISTS

Susan Taylor Batten – ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities

Jon Greenbaum – Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Abby Levine – Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

This session will not be recorded for distribution. 

The information provided during this webinar, including any handouts, presentations, or other materials, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this webinar are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. No attorney-client relationship is formed by your participation in this webinar. The information presented should not be relied upon as legal advice for any specific situation or matter.  Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice on legal issues that pertain to your situation.