In a time of rising polarization, Americans are divided — not just on the issues but also along lines of identity. Political and civic figures are actively stoking othering around race, religion, gender, sexuality, and more. By targeting minority communities, they hope to gain political advantage, consolidate power, and justify damage to our democracy.

The fallout from this is that communities — particularly immigrants, refugees, and Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians — are targeted by aggression, hate speech, hate crimes, and public policy that violates civil rights and democratic norms. This climate also erodes the cohesion and function of American society as a whole.

Together we can build a moral, just, and inclusive society that prevents violence and protects Constitutional rights. The Just and Inclusive Society project partners with community-based organizations and funding collaboratives to learn, invest in and advocate for efforts that: 

• Build resilience by supporting the leadership of targeted communities and strengthening networks of diverse allies
• Support coordinated communications efforts to respond to hate and violence and shape group norms by amplifying voices across communities 
• Fund impact litigation, direct legal services, and legal education to challenge infringements to civil rights and civil liberties

We also work with peer foundations and philanthropists interested in moving toward values-based giving that prioritizes civil rights, human dignity, and the targeted communities at the vanguard of democracy.