It seems antiracism think tanks aren’t good for business. Specifically the Boston University think tank helmed by Ibram X. Kendi is now laying off nearly one-third of its staff.

A Boston University think tank led by “antiracism” expert Ibram X. Kendi has let go of nearly a third of its staff, the latest sign of layoffs hitting left-wing activist groups.

The Boston University Center for Antiracist Research fired between 15 and 20 employees, multiple outlets have reported. Kendi began the center in June 2020 at the peak of a movement to defund police in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of former Minneapolis-based police officer Derek Chauvin.

Lecturing white people about racism, promoting Critical Race Theory, and pushing DEI on companies was good for business. Well, it was good for Kendi personally.

Kendi’s rise to prominence prompted opposition from Republican and conservative voices objecting to his teaching of critical race theory and moves to push such ideas in early education and development. The theory posits that racial bias is inherent in Western society and that students must be taught to be antiracist, which has led to his authorship of “How to Be an Anti-Racist” and the children’s book “Antiracist Baby.”

“Well, actually, teaching people to see racism,” Kendi said on CBS Mornings in June 2022 “There’s a difference. Race is a mirage. Racism is real. And it’s — you know who’s the most likely to be harmed by racism? Our children. You know who are least likely to engage about it? Our children. That’s what’s really prevailing me to do this work.”

It was and is very insidious. Schools aren’t allowed to have high expectations of minority students any longer. Because if you do, that is racist! Which has led Oregon’s governor to dumb down education standards in the name of equity. 

At first I thought this originated from @TheBabylonBee but it's actually true:@OregonGovBrown did cut the reading and math proficiency requirements from high school graduation standards, and did cite protecting students of color as a justificationhttps://t.co/WbTpq5VEQn

— WhittyMike ن (@WhittyMike) September 14, 2023

If one cannot read nor do even simple math problems, then that person will be at a distinct disadvantage through their lives, especially in the workforce. That’s not racist, that’s just fact. Yet, according to Kendi, those facts don’t matter. The only people who are racist are white. 

Thus, in the wake of the fiery but mostly peaceful riots of 2020, this venture should’ve been good for the think tank at Boston University as well. But it wasn’t. 

Not surprising given the chaotic management of this place I experienced as a grant recipient & the terrible experiences close friends had working here… a real shame given the potential of this center. https://t.co/ZQHB8V2Wa9

— Heba Gowayed هبة جويد (@hebagowayed) September 14, 2023

Pointing out that Kendi is a poor manager could get her canceled. He’s not only a poor manager of an $11 million dollar think tank, and raked in thousands in speaking fees, he hasn’t published a paper in years!

Boston University Professor Ibram Kendi has not published an academic paper in at least four years, according to his Google Scholar profile.

The professor, who popularized the term “anti-racism,” wrote at least two children’s books in the same period.

He can write two children’s books, but not publish? In academia the “publish or perish” is a very real thing. Yet he hasn’t written anything in over four years? Hmmm. 

And, isn’t it interesting to note that the announcement of these layoffs comes not only as Kendi has been on leave from the think tank for the last three months, we find out he has a new gig!

What, exactly is this new gig all about? 

The series delves into and challenges racism in the sports world, and will reveal how pervasive racism is in sports, while challenging the thoughts and systems of various governing bodies. Through Dr. Kendi’s analysis, athlete profiles, and robust roundtable discussions with athletes, academics and journalists, each episode dives deeply into the histories, statistics and notable moments behind the racist norms we accept today.

~Snip

The show features vignettes from notable names including W. Kamau Bell, Jemele Hill, The Kid Mero, Takeo Spikes, Nia Symone, Aida Rodriguez, Michelle Williams, and more.

Kind of interesting that Colin Kaepernick didn’t make the approved list of interviewees… 

Again, this is a guy who has been lauded everywhere for claiming that everything is racist until he says it isn’t. This is a guy who has been pushing antiracism and equity all over the place, except his think tank apparently. 

“Ibram X. Kendi's Antiracist Research Center at Boston University fires almost HALF its 45 staff, as ex-workers claim he had too much power and brand him EXPLOITATIVE.”

Oh, so he doesn’t practice equity himself?

https://t.co/5Ar1oRnSQ5

— Eli Steele (@Hebro_Steele) September 16, 2023

What’s also telling are the complaints from the staff. 

Ibram Kendi’s “antiracism” center is collapsing. He hired a bunch of left-wing academics that produced almost no research, but complained that he was “exploitative” and forced them to work too hard. Now he’s laid off nearly half of the employees and they’re trashing him publicly. pic.twitter.com/6DhKXnkjLz

— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) September 17, 2023

So, Kendi’s think tank essentially produced NOTHING. When you have a zero return on investment, it’s time to cut your losses. 

Feature Photo Credit: Kendi at Black History Month lecture via Flickr, cropped and modified