Series - Editorial fellowship: Inclusion and anti-racism

Weaponization of anti-discrimination laws casts pall over start-ups, funders

Author Shannon VanRaes
The Fearless Foundation ends grant program for Black businesswomen after conservative lawsuit alleges racial discrimination.

Why It Matters

Anti-discrimination laws are being used to target those working to end historic inequities. Can better data, more education and cooperation turn the tide?

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In 2023, conservative activists sued the Fearless Fund over its Strivers Grant, leading to the program’s termination last month to avoid further court proceedings and potential widespread precedent. (Fearless Fund/Facebook)

The permanent closure of a venture capital program for Black businesswomen is already reverberating across North America, say those working to address systemic racial inequalities in business funding.

“It’s taking money off the table,” said Craig Wellington, CEO of the Black Opportunity Fund.