FAIR News: A Night of Unity, Advocacy, and Celebration
FAIR News: A Night of Unity, Advocacy, and Celebration
Newsletter
Dear Friends of FAIR,
It’s been nearly a year and a half since FAIR hosted an event in Gotham, and judging from the turnout on February 22, New Yorkers have been eagerly awaiting our return!
From the moment I came on board as Executive Director, I’ve envisioned an event that would signal FAIR’s new direction. “Cocktails and Conversation” was more than just a platform to raise awareness (and money) for the organization we love. It was also an opportunity for supporters, staff, and Chapter Leaders to connect (and, in some cases, meet in person for the first time!), celebrate our recent wins, invite new members, and energize our community for a bold and bright future. By all accounts and by every measure, it was a smashing success!
The evening kicked off at the Latin American-inspired La Victoria Social Club in Chelsea. Doors opened at 5:45, but within minutes, the venue was packed — literally. Guests enjoyed mingling with the newest additions to FAIR’s Board of Advisors: past national president of the ACLU Nadine Strossen and author/journalist Michael Shellenberger, along with executive director of Genspect Stella O’Malley, fashion designer Elena Velez, and an array of other influential FAIR-aligned thought leaders.
After welcoming attendees, I introduced the roster of inspired voices who would speak to the theme we had gathered to honor: viewpoint diversity that is critical to FAIR’s mission to promote compassion and mutual respect. Ultimately, compassion and respect rely on the freedom to express who we are and what we believe.
Nadine led the speaker lineup by expressing her admiration for FAIR’s work in defending the free speech rights of the Emory Free Speech Forum, FAIR’s vital role in protecting freedom of expression, and her honor in joining our efforts. Michael, a proud Gen Xer, reminded us of a time when diversity was defined by more than immutable characteristics and emphasized the need to support FAIR in defending speech that respects the perspectives of individuals, not identity groups.
Zack De Piero and Tabia Lee, plaintiffs whose FAIR-supported litigation has been featured in Newsweek and Forbes, shared their stories. De Piero and Lee are both educators who encouraged critical thinking and authentic “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” yet were silenced and discriminated against based on their viewpoints and skin colors. Last month, following a US District Court’s denial of Penn State’s motion to dismiss Zack’s claim, The Atlantic called his case one that “could shape the future of diversity programs on campus.” FAIR Fellow and Yale sophomore Sahar Tartak and an ally of FAIR since her senior year in high school, was also on hand to discuss her experiences with anti-semitism and censorship on campus.
Angel Eduardo, Chairman of FAIR’s Board of Directors, and Board Treasurer Heather Blakeslee followed up by announcing the launch of the FAIR Forward 2024 fundraising campaign and a nuts-and-bolts reminder that the work FAIR has done, and continues to do, requires the financial assistance of our supporters.
Actor/singer/writer (and prodigal New Yorker) Clifton Duncan closed out the evening by highlighting the importance of authentic artistic expression in our society and giving a passionate rendition of Ragtime’s “Make Them Hear You,” accompanied on keyboards by FAIR in the Arts’ Director and man of untold talents, Brent Morden.
Although the event “officially” ended at 8:00, guests didn’t seem to notice or care, and many were reluctant to leave. Flashing house lights, disappearing hors d’oeuvres, and a closed bar did little to disrupt the groove of heterodox thinkers who craved the company of like minds. Die-hards who refused to let the evening end headed to the after-party hosted by Clifton and Brent at Sovereign House (which, we’re told, extended into the wee hours).
For those in attendance, “Cocktails and Conversation” was a night to remember and a reminder that FAIR’s community of supporters and allies is not only growing, but is bigger and stronger than ever. We look forward to our next event on April 20th in Los Angeles, where we will gather to celebrate courageous voices in arts and entertainment. Stay tuned for details!
Warmly,
Monica Harris
Executive Director
Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism
Skills for Conversations about Public Policy & Race (MN districts 1,2,7)
The partisan divide makes it hard for Americans of all races to reason together and find common ground on important policy issues related to race. Braver Angels is uniquely positioned to help address this problem.
In this workshop you will learn skills for having more productive conversations about contentious policy issues related to race, such as affirmative action, policing, removing statues, and reparations.
The workshop also helps conservatives, liberals and independents understand core values and principles of those who differ from them on public policy issues connected to race in America. The workshop is for those who:
Want to learn to communicate more effectively about race and public policy with people who differ from them politically
Believe in the equal worth and dignity of persons of all races
Are prepared to listen, learn, and practice skills rather than criticize, instruct, or try to enlighten participants with different views
There are many kinds of workshops dealing with race. Note that Braver Angels focuses on divisions over public policy. This workshop is not an in-depth discussion of race relations and racial identity in America.
Questions? Contact Morgan Holle at mholle@braverangels.org
Dissident Dialogues
Join Dissident Dialogues (in partnership with UnHerd and sponsored by Ground News) in New York City on May 3rd & 4th! The world’s leading and most original thinkers gather for two days of debate, discussion, and disagreement. Discussions will feature FAIR advisors Michael Shellenbeger and Lee Fang, as well as Richard Dawkins, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, John McWhorter, Steven Pinker, Konstantin Kisin, Francis Foster, John Vervaeke, Thomas Chatterton Williams, Kathleen Stock, Freddie Sayers, Bridget Phetasy, Diana S. Fleischman, Africa Brooke, Alex O'Connor, and Mary Harrington!
FAIR News Podcast
For audio versions of our FAIR News and FAIR Weekly Roundup newsletters, subscribe and listen to FAIR News Weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or via RSS feed.
FAIR Educators Alliance & Other Networks
Connect with other pro-human educators through the FAIR Educators Alliance. We bring together educators from all levels to share experiences and work on developing resources that can support teachers, community members, and FAIR chapters.
Teachers, administrators, librarians, and educators of all kinds are welcome. For more information and to join any of these networks, please email educators@fairforall.org.
Join the FAIR Community
Join us, and become a member of FAIR.
Become a FAIR volunteer, or join a FAIR chapter.
Take the Pro-Human Pledge and help promote a common culture based on fairness, understanding, and humanity.
Sign-up for a Welcome to FAIR Zoom information session to learn more about our mission.
Share your reviews and incident reports on our FAIR Transparency website.