Former progressive’s unexpected admission about BLM
Xavier Dursault, once a progressive supporter, revealed that his shift towards conservatism was prompted by his questions surrounding the financial practices of Black Lives Matter. He expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of transparency and support for the families of victims.
A charity, Coefficient Giving, has come under scrutiny for allegedly funding what some describe as “radical initiatives” over the years, contributing millions to movements aimed at defunding police departments and opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), among other progressive agendas.
Previously known as Open Philanthropy, the organization issued numerous grants to predominantly far-left groups before rebranding and shifting its criminal justice reform efforts to a separate entity called “Just Impact.”
Some of the recipients of Open Philanthropy’s funds include Just Leadership USA, which has drawn comparisons between the criminal justice system and slavery, and Color of Change, which advocates for defunding police. Other beneficiaries include People’s Action, which argues that law enforcement is engaged in a “war on black people,” and Fair and Just Prosecution, an organization pushing to eliminate cash bail.
A billionaire linked to the Chinese Communist Party is thought to have misappropriated funds to a network of activists in Minneapolis using a dark money route.
Coefficient Giving has allegedly given extensive financial support to initiatives opposing ICE and those related to the National Bail Fund Network, which aids participants in protests associated with the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Following a tragic incident involving the death of a Minnesota activist, the Free Migration Project made statements advocating for the abolition of ICE and Border Patrol, claiming they cannot be reformed.
Curtis Schube, of the Center for the Advancement of American Security, criticized Open Philanthropy for what he sees as covert funding of extreme projects, claiming these initiatives ultimately jeopardize social welfare and public safety.
Among its largest grants, Open Philanthropy awarded $11,750,000 to the Alliance for Safety and Justice, an organization promoting alternatives to incarceration. They also provided $4,440,000 to Just Leadership USA, whose president has called for an end to police funding.
A representative for Coefficient Giving remarked that their donations were aimed at enhancing public safety and family unity, noting that they would cease such contributions beginning in 2021.
The organization’s mission outlines their views on the criminal legal system, characterizing it as part of a broader oppressive framework impacting marginalized communities. They emphasize a need to dismantle a system charged with remnants of historical injustices.
Open Philanthropy’s financial contributions are notable, totaling $3,259,100 to Color of Change. In 2021, the group’s campaign director pushed for significant cuts to police funding in New York City, stating, “No police, no mass incarceration,” which highlights the group’s broader stance against police funding.
People’s Action also received significant funding, amounting to $1,927,640. In 2020, they expressed support for the Movement for Black Lives, calling for a conclusion to police involvement in education institutions.
The narrative surrounding funding continues, with reports revealing that some recipients of funds connected to criminal justice reform have faced backlash due to alleged crimes post-support. Open Philanthropy’s donations have, while focused on progressive groups, also included some support for conservative entities.
In summaries, Open Philanthropy’s history of giving, exceeding $130 million towards criminal justice reform, has drawn controversy, especially concerning their relationship with groups advocating for significant systemic changes. Interestingly, in 2021, they divested their criminal justice reform program to Just Impact while providing them with substantial initial funding.
