HTEI stands steadfast in our mission to create a community where every historically marginalized individual feels seen, respected, and celebrated. We are troubled by the actions of groups like Moms for Liberty, and their upcoming event in Philadelphia, which threatens the well-being of marginalized communities, specifically our LGBTQ+ youth.

Their agenda, featuring discussions and speeches from figures notorious for their anti-LGBTQIA+ stances, undermines diversity education and opposes accommodations for transgender students. Furthermore, they advocate for banning books that educate about marginalized identities. 

We find Marriott's decision to host this group particularly concerning, given their public support for LGBTQIA+ rights. We need to hold them accountable.

Here's our expanded call to action:

1. Sign and share petitions: Sign online petitions demanding Marriott to cancel hosting Moms for Liberty. Click link to find one we’ve signed: https://www.change.org/p/help-me-stop-marriott-pennsylvania-from-hosting-a-hate-group-conference

2. Contact Marriott: Directly express your concerns to Marriott at +1 215-625-2900 and urge them to reconsider hosting Moms for Liberty.

3. Join the rally: Participate in person or virtually in the rally organized by PFLAG Philly and other organizations. Gather at Reading Terminal Market Beiler’s Bakery, 51N 12th St, inside the Reading Terminal Market at 8:00am ET on June 30th. You can also watch the livestream on People For the American Way's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

4. Spread the word: Share the message on social media. Use the assets from https://pflagnation.al/PFLAGPhillySocialAssets to get started.

5. Advocate for policy changes: Push for stricter non-discrimination policies at the local and state level to prevent hate groups from holding events at public venues.

6. Support LGBTQIA+ organizations: Donate to and volunteer for organizations like @PFLAGPhilly and @WayGayPhilly who strive to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

Stand with us against hate. Let's build an equitable and inclusive community together.

In light of the recent Supreme Court decision prohibiting colleges and universities from taking race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, we at the Haddon Township Equity Initiative (HTEI) feel compelled to raise our voices. This landmark decision overturns long-standing precedent that has benefited Black and Latine students in higher education, thereby perpetuating the systemic barriers and discrimination that have long continued to exist in these institutions.

In the words of Preston Mitchum (@preston.mitchum), a thought leader we deeply respect: “This will have devastating consequences. …the Fourteenth Amendment IS a race-conscious remedy. It was intended WITH RACE IN MIND to ensure newly freed enslaved Black people were not discriminated against. …There's literally NO explanation of this ruling without anti-Blackness in mind.” 

Meanwhile, “…legacy admissions, which largely help white student applicants, still stand… Racism has penetrated the very fabric of our country and we are trying to solve for it… Attacks on Black, Brown, and other students of color; benefits of legacy students (read: mostly wealthier white families); state legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ youth; trans violence; reduction of funding for DEI; pushback on critical race theory, etc. Our oppression is inextricably linked.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson highlights in her dissent, "Our country has never been colorblind... [this] fails to acknowledge the well documented 'intergenerational transmission of inequality' that still plagues our citizenry." We couldn't agree more.

Here are some actions we can all take:

1. Education: Immerse yourself in learning about the history and impacts of affirmative action in higher education. Understand why it was initially implemented and how it has been beneficial for historically marginalized communities. Check out our website for videos and readings. 

   • Vox: What we get wrong about affirmative action

   • Above the Noise: Is Affirmative Action Fair?

   • AAAED:  Affirmative Action Policies Throughout History

   • Film: Skin Deep

   • Vox: The SCOTUS decision on affirmative action in colleges, explained

2. Advocacy: Raise awareness about this issue within your circles. Encourage conversations that foster understanding and empathy. Utilize lesson plans and facilitation guides to talk about this with people:

   • C-SPAN: Lesson Plan: Civil Rights and Affirmative Action

   • Newsreel: Skin Deep Lesson Plan

   • U. Mich.: Guidelines for Discussion of Affirmative Action

3. Petitioning: Lend your voice to petitions and letters to Congress that call for reforms to the Supreme Court: https://demandjustice.org/priorities/supreme-court-reform/

4. Nonprofit Support: Invest your time and skills volunteering and fundraising for organizations working towards achieving racial justice in education. We recommend @UrbanPromise, @12Plus, @PhilaEdFund, @EdLawCenterPA, @YUCPhilly, and @IndependenceBigs

Remember, in the words of Justice Jackson, "No one benefits from ignorance". Let's seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and fight for a more equitable future. 

Join us in our mission.