Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Foundation Pulls Funding from Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Group Over ‘Hateful Words’

American royals Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been the subject of recent controversy as their foundation, Archewell, has decided to pull funding from the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. The coalition, which aims to empower Muslim women and girls through various community programs, had been receiving financial support from the Sussexes’ charity. The decision to cut ties came after the coalition’s founder expressed support for a controversial mural that featured a swastika interwoven with a Star of David. The move highlights the royal couple’s commitment to combating hate speech and promoting inclusivity through their philanthropic efforts.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex founded the Archewell Foundation in 2020 as a platform for their charitable endeavors. One of the initiatives under the foundation, the Welcome Project, had previously awarded a grant of $27,960 to the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition in support of programming for women resettled from Afghanistan. However, following the coalition founder’s public endorsement of the contentious mural, Archewell decided to sever ties with the organization. This move underscores the foundation’s zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech and divisive symbolism.

Janan Najeeb, the founder and director of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, expressed disappointment over the decision to withdraw funding, citing the impact it would have on the group’s Afghan Women’s Sewing Circle and Support Group. Najeeb defended her actions, stating that her writings were not meant to promote hate speech but rather to address important issues such as the crisis in Gaza. The clash of values between the coalition and Archewell highlights the complexities of navigating diverse perspectives in charitable giving.

In a letter addressed to Najeeb, Archewell reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a wide range of individuals and organizations while condemning any form of hate speech. The foundation stressed the importance of building bridges and fostering inclusivity but made it clear that certain actions, such as endorsing symbols of hate or calling for destruction, would not align with their values. The decision to cut ties with the coalition reflects Archewell’s dedication to upholding its principles and ensuring that its partnerships reflect those values.

Despite the fallout with the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, Archewell remains steadfast in its support of Muslim-led organizations and refugee programs through initiatives like the Welcome Project. The foundation’s impact extends beyond local communities, with partnerships like Humanity Crew providing mental health support in regions affected by conflict and disaster. Through grants and donations, Archewell continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support in areas like Palestine, Israel, and Syria, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale.

This recent development comes on the heels of Prince Harry’s resignation as a patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to support young people in southern Africa. The decision was motivated by what was described as a financial crisis and internal turmoil within the organization. The Duke of Sussex and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, expressed their dismay at the situation and vowed to address their concerns with the Charity Commission. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by members of the royal family in maintaining their philanthropic endeavors amidst external pressures and internal conflicts.

In conclusion, the decision by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation to withdraw funding from the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition underscores the complexities of navigating philanthropy in a diverse and often contentious landscape. While the royal couple remains committed to promoting inclusivity and combating hate speech, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when balancing diverse perspectives and values within charitable work. As they continue to champion important causes and support communities in need, the Sussexes’ philanthropic efforts exemplify their dedication to making a positive impact in the world, albeit amidst occasional controversies and challenges.