Reimagining Access: Philanthropic Leadership in the Post-Affirmative Action Era

When: 
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 -
3:00pm to 5:00pm EDT
Where: 
Philanthropy New York, 320 East 43rd Street
Members of PNY & Partner Orgs: 
$0.00
Non-Members: 
$150.00
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Over a year has passed since the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Affirmative Action reversed decades of progress in achieving diversity and equity in higher education. The repercussions of this ruling are becoming increasingly clear, with recent data revealing a significant decline in Black and Latinx student enrollment at M.I.T. and substantial shifts in the racial makeup of prestigious colleges such as Amherst and Tufts. While specific data on the impact on young men of color remains limited, historical trends show they are disproportionately affected when it comes to disparities in enrollment and graduation rates. Coinciding with this, we also mark the 10th anniversary of President Obama's My Brother's Keeper initiative and the Campaign for Black Male Achievement – initiatives that have actively addressed these historical trends and achieved significant progress. This convergence underscores the critical importance and timeliness of this conversation. 

Please join us for a vital discussion on how philanthropy is navigating this changing landscape. We'll explore the historical role of philanthropy in supporting the enrollment and success of Black and Latinx communities in higher education and examine the challenges posed by the backlash against DEI efforts and increased scrutiny of racially equitable funding. Furthermore, we'll hear from leaders who have remained steadfast in their commitment, courageously making critical investments even in the face of a challenging political environment. 

What will you learn? 

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how the Supreme Court's decision has affected enrollment and diversity in higher education, particularly for Black and Latinx communities and how philanthropy is responding.  
  • Learn about the historical involvement of philanthropy in supporting the persistence of people of color in higher education and the challenges it faces in the current political climate. 
  • Hear from leaders who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to investing in racially equitable education despite facing backlash and adversity. 

Speakers

Who should attend? 

All interested funders in higher education, public policy, and related roles. What to expect: panel discussion followed by Q&A. 

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