Promoting Democratic Freedoms

To the Editor:

Abraham H. Foxman’s letter to the editor (November 25) about the American Civil Liberties Union’s decision to reject Ford Foundation grant conditions that might stifle free speech and academic freedom endeavored to make a paradoxical distinction between the ACLU’s mission of defending civil liberties for all Americans and Ford’s mission of strengthening democratic values. Unfortunately, Mr. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, fails to explain how one strengthens democratic values without defending the rights of all in society. Indeed, when the rights of any are sacrificed in a democracy, the rights of none are safe.

In rejecting what may be millions of dollars of current and future grants that would support vital civil-liberties programs during a time of unprecedented crisis in our democracy, the ACLU took a stand not merely on our behalf, but on that of others as well. Indeed, concerns about the adverse effect of ill-considered and regrettable grant conditions that may chill democratic debate have been the subject of public and private concern from leading colleges and universities.

Grant terms that prohibit “bigotry,” “destruction of a state,” “violence,” or “terrorism” but which are not clearly defined for grantees can only serve to chill grantees’ activities and stifle the full airing of difficult issues that are critical to robust, democratic debate.

Of course, we recognize that private foundations are entitled to make decisions about their own First Amendment rights, but the actions of private entities may have deleterious — even if unintended — consequences on our democracy. One need only consider the lamentable history of the entertainment industry in utilizing blacklists during the 1950s as evidence of the harm that might result in our democracy from actions taken by private actors.

It is the hope of all involved that when we emerge from the climate of fear and intimidation that has gripped this country since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 we may once again work together in the future.

Anthony D. Romero
Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union
New York