Reimagining Access: Philanthropic Leadership in the Post-Affirmative Action Era
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.
Speakers
- Genisha Metcalf, Partnerships Lead, NBA Foundation
- Saúl Valdez, Senior Program Officer, ECMC Foundation
- Sonni Holland, President & CEO, The Charles Hayden Foundation
- Shawn Dove (Moderator), Managing Partner, New Profit