Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill have created a nonprofit organization centered on equal rights. The organization, called The Biden Foundation, will focus on securing the rights of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities.
Although Joe Biden hasn’t said anything about whether the charity has anything to do with his opposition to President Trump, the timing couldn’t be more pertinent. Several civil rights activists have expressed concern that the new president will try to revoke certain provisions pertaining to equality, such as Roe v. Wade and religious freedom laws.
But equality advocates have nothing to fear now that Joe and Jill Biden have renewed their commitment to fighting for civil liberties. It’s quite admirable, considering that no one would blame the couple if they decided to go into retirement. But the duo just couldn’t do that in a time when so many people feel like their rights are being threatened.
“Now more than ever, we must work hard to preserve everyone’s shot at the American Dream,” Biden wrote in a Twitter post. “We cannot yield an inch on all the progress we have made on civil rights and human rights.”
Joe and Jill also released a video in which they introduced their new foundation. In that video, the two reassured the public that they will not abandon them in a time of need.
“Jill and I have been very lucky these past decades. We look forward to this new chapter where we will continue our work to ensure that everyone—no matter their income level, race, gender, age or sexuality—is treated with dignity and gets a fair shot at achieving the American Dream.”
The new foundation has been met with widespread acclaim by social justice advocates. There is no word yet on how other politicians have reacted to the news.