Philanthropist Liz Simons Donates to Support “Woke Math” Initiative
Liz Simons, a billionaire philanthropist, is contributing $250,000 to aid New Yorkers through a political action committee backing the Democratic socialist candidate, Zohran Mamdani. She’s also involved in efforts to implement what is known as “awakening mathematics” in public schools.
However, this initiative hasn’t been without its critics. Some have described the mathematics program as an attempt to indoctrinate children into socialist ideologies, as noted by a report.
Traditionally, math questions focus solely on quantitative problem-solving. In contrast, this new approach, which is being adopted in places like California but rejected in others such as Florida, incorporates social issues into its framing.
Super PAC for Mamdani Gains Financial Support from Wealthy Donors
The Heising-Simons Foundation, co-founded by Simons and her husband Mark Heissing, has reportedly donated $1.7 million to the Racial Justice for the Early Mathematics (RJEM) Project at the Erickson Institute in Chicago since 2023.
Founded in December 2019, RJEM is directed by Dr. Jennifer McRay and Dr. Danny Bernard Martin, who aim to tackle systemic racial injustices in early mathematics education. Their mission statement highlights the initiative’s focus on fostering “often difficult conversations” about racism and equipping educators to facilitate racial justice.
The Heising-Simons Foundation asserts its commitment to sustainability in climate and energy, research advancement, early education, and human rights for all.
On the political frontier, Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, unexpectedly claimed the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City in June. Responses to his position have varied widely, with strong backing from figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Jerry Nadler, though some caution has emerged from Sen. Chuck Schumer about his candidacy.
Mamdani recently held a campaign event with Senator Bernie Sanders in Brooklyn, further solidifying his alignment with progressive ideals.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Heising-Simons Foundation for comments, but there was no immediate response.
