Not Another Statement: Philanthropy and Staying the Course

Last month’s U.S. Supreme Court rulings in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College undermines almost 60 years of providing more inclusive opportunities to those limited and denied access to institutions of higher education.

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Immediately following this ruling, foundations and philanthropic organizations across the country issued a joint statement naming and denouncing the harm that this decision could cause. Many foundations released additional individual proclamations, pledging support for organizations combatting racial justice and affirming unwavering support in this new era. A few examples can be found here, here, and here.

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These and other examples raise the alarm that the Court’s decisions will undo decades of progress in creating diverse learning environments, addressing systemic racism, and improving opportunities and social mobility for young people.

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The solidarity of voice from Philanthropy is heartening. Philanthropic influence serves as a catalyst for action, provides cover and lends voice to the voiceless. Directed funding can accelerate change compared to traditional channels.

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However, those most directly impacted by those decisions have expressed concern that funders may lose interest or capitulate to cultural and political pressure and discontinue their support rendering the recent proclamations as “yet another statement.” This assertion is not without merit.

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In 2020, the murders of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others ignited and united communities across the country. Their deaths led to proclamations and significant investments from businesses, organizations, and the funding community to address injustices and systemic racism. In recognition of the need for immediate action, philanthropy relaxed its giving and reporting policies so resources could quickly go to areas of greatest need. In doing this, foundations demonstrated that they could be both responsive in times of crisis and responsible stewards of the public good.

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Despite still being in this “crisis” three years later, shifting political winds, “anti-woke” campaigns and DEI “fatigue” have created a reduction, if not elimination, in investments to organizations and communities still on the frontlines of this work.

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The Court’s decision provides a cautionary tale. Students for Fair Admissions understandably will lead to increased investment (one foundation rededicated its remaining funds this year to address the fallout from those decisions). However, what happens when interest wanes? Will investors stand firm, or will they yield under shareholder and/or public pressure? Will organizations committed to combatting racial and social injustice endure “statement fatigue” or will sustainable long-term action occur?

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Philanthropy can and should take the lead in setting an agenda for equity in education. Yet, they cannot do this alone. They need to forge more internal and external partnerships to build capacity for communities and organizations impacted and fighting for more equitable access and outcomes. With systemic and institutional racism still present, resolute and sustained investment that exceeds one or two news cycles, or one or two grant-terms must be part of an ongoing strategy to create a future where every student can succeed.

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Firm resolve and the ability to stay the course when things get tough is why philanthropy has the potential to not only challenge decisions like these, but to break the cycle of an American education model that historically favors those with means and privilege. I fully recognize the unfairness of placing the burden entirely on this community. Foundational resources, though significant, are finite. Yet, one should not ignore philanthropy’s positive legacy and record of supporting transformational change.

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Generations of students have benefitted from policies designed to ensure that college campuses became more diverse and reflective of their neighborhoods. They received support to navigate the “hidden curriculum” (a barrier for first-generation college enrollees) to ensure that they would thrive. They found community and support while on campus. Others deserve that same opportunity.

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