Affirmative Action Lawsuits Mean Nonprofits Must Embrace Advocacy

The Supreme Court’s June decision on affirmative action at US colleges and universities has raised profound concerns for the nonprofit sector. As the leader of Independent Sector, a national membership organization for nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, I’ve heard questions from changemakers across the country about how this decision affects their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and whether it’s a precursor to other challenges to nonprofit and philanthropic missions. These new questions demand not only our attention but also our renewed commitment to publicly advocating for the values that underpin our work.