The foundation's executive director, Kathleen Rubenstein, had announced her resignation earlier this month
US public interest law fellowship program Skadden Foundation has eliminated references to racial justice from its application criteria, reported Reuters.
The foundation, which is funded by US-headquartered firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, had last year required program applicants to address "the role of public interest work in addressing systemic racism" and describe the intended impact of their projects on racial equity in the US. The question has since been removed from current application materials.
Moreover, the foundation took out language encouraging lawyers "who are members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in the legal profession" and have "deep connections with or insights into the marginalized client communities they seek to serve" to apply for the program, according to statements published by Reuters.
The Skadden Foundation's website currently indicates that applicants should be employed at a "strong, nonpartisan host organization," according to a snippet published by Reuters.
On June 4, Skadden Foundation executive director Kathleen Rubenstein announced her resignation from her role, saying in a statement published by Reuters that she stepped away from the organization "rather than endorse actions that I believe will undermine its mission." Former foundation director Susan Plum, who replaced Rubenstein as interim executive director, said in a statement published by Reuters that the Skadden Foundation was "maintaining a broad, nonpartisan approach in an increasingly polarized climate is more difficult than ever."
"Some believe it runs counter to the foundation’s purpose and values. We fundamentally disagree," Plum said.
Rubenstein declined to comment on the foundation's updated application materials. Plum did not immediately respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters.
Back in March, law firm Skadden struck a deal with US President Donald Trump to provide US$100 million worth of pro bono legal work to White House-backed causes. It also announced its commitment to what Trump described as "merit-based employment practices."
