AFSCME pulls Black college support after Koch gift
Editor
Michael Lomax, president of the United Negro College Fund, poses for a portrait by a painted mural in Washington, Thursday, June 5, 2014. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful union is pulling its support from the United Negro College Fund after the fund accepted $25 million from Koch Industries Inc. and the Charles Koch Foundation.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says it will no longer partner with UNCF, known for its iconic motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
The Koch brothers are major contributors to conservative causes and are often vilified by Democrats and liberals.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders says college fund President Michael Lomax subsequently spoke at a Koch Brothers summit, which Saunders called “a betrayal of everything the UNCF stands for.”
Lomax said he was saddened by AFSCME’s decision, but it will not “distract us from our mission.” UNCF supports historically black colleges and universities and provides scholarships. David & Charles Koch (AP File Photos)
