Preserving the Integrity of STEM Education: An Open Letter to BlackRock

An Early Warning Against Industry Commodification and Call for Ethical Investment

Image: Getty ID# 178382135 / Wall Street Subway Stop

Written by: Andrew B. Raupp / @stemceo

STEM education — the bedrock of our society’s scientific and technological advancement — is at a crossroads. As the financial industry, led by giants like BlackRock, begins to show increased interest in this sector, there’s a rising concern that the focus on consolidation and monopolization might override the quality and diversity of educational outcomes. In this open letter to BlackRock, I explore the potential implications of such interest, highlighting the importance of maintaining STEM education’s autonomy and integrity.

BlackRock, Inc.
55 East 52nd Street
New York, NY 10055
United States

BlackRock Management,

I write to you as an earnest advocate for maintaining the sanctity and independence of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. I wish to express my deep concern regarding the burgeoning interest of financial entities, including banks and private equity firms such as BlackRock, in the sector.

STEM education holds a pivotal role in shaping our society by cultivating critical thinking, fostering creativity, and nurturing future leaders in technology and science. However, an emerging threat to this sector is industry consolidation, a trend which the financial industry appears to endorse. This risks transforming the educational landscape into an oligopoly, limiting diversity in learning approaches, stifling innovation, and compromising the quality of education.

Moreover, I wish to highlight the financial industry’s support for censorship and the push towards technocracy and scientism, which conflict directly with the principles of academic freedom and objective inquiry, cornerstones of STEM education. This trend poses a significant threat to the development of an independent, innovative, and inquisitive mindset among students, thereby undermining the core tenets of education.

While financial resources are undoubtedly necessary for the sustainability of any sector, a focus on profit maximization over quality educational outcomes can have severe consequences. Education, fundamentally, is a public good that deserves to be safeguarded from the fickleness of market forces.

Furthermore, I perceive the implementation of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda, as advocated by organizations such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, as largely unscientific. Although the intentions are admirable, this blanket approach does not consider the nuances and diverse needs of different educational institutions. Each institution carries its unique identity and goals, and a uniform approach can be stifling and counterproductive.

STEM education is not a commodity, and its true worth extends far beyond monetary terms. I strongly urge you to reconsider any approach that compromises the integrity of this sector, as the implications will be felt not only in the present, but far into the future. Our duty lies in ensuring that STEM education remains a vibrant, diverse, and independent field, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge, scientific inquiry, and societal betterment.

I urge BlackRock to take immediate action in rectifying this precarious situation and refrain from any endeavors that could harm the sanctity of STEM education. Your influence in the financial world places a heavy responsibility on your shoulders. It’s high time you use it to protect and enhance the integrity of STEM education rather than undermine it.

Sincerely,
Andrew B. Raupp, IEL
Founder / Executive Director
STEM.org Educational Research

Image: Getty ID# 1029821926 / Writing on Wall Street

Andrew B. Raupp is the Founder / Executive Director @stemdotorg. “Democratizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through sound policy & practice…”