Pearson - 1792 Exchange

Corprate Bias Ratings

Risk Level:

High Risk

Summary:

Pearson K12 Learning rebranded as Savvas in 2020. Savvas acquired Rubicon in 2022. Pearson's educational resources are banned in multiple states because of the ideological viewpoints espoused within the curriculum. Pearson produces elementary-aged educational content containing lessons on LGBTQ, "Black Lives Matter at School", and intersectionality of identities. The company vets suppliers according to LGBTQ policies and frequently uses its reputation to advocate for ideological causes. For these reasons, Pearson receives a High Risk rating.

Criteria

Risk Level

Rationale

Corporate Weaponization

Criteria

Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.

Risk Level

Rationale

At least two states have decided to ban Pearson’s curriculum from public school use for promoting racial ideology and “biased” statements on climate change incorporated into material intended for students (1)(2).

Criteria

Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.

Risk Level

Rationale

Pearson’s charitable foundation closed in 2014 (1). Pearson does not discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving. The company makes donations on a case-by-case basis to “provide access to quality education” (2).

Criteria

Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.

Risk Level

Rationale

Pearson does not provide viewpoint protections for its employees (1).

Corporate Governance and Public Policy

Criteria

Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level

Rationale

In recent years, Pearson has changed its publishing philosophy, leading to an ideological slant in its textbooks. In these texts intended for children, Pearson has published the terms “subconscious bias” and “intersectionality,” presenting the company’s opinions on these complex matters as fact (1). Furthermore, Pearson has included similar ideologies in its math textbooks, including a math problem regarding the “lack of diversity” in the New York Police Department (2). Pearson has also adopted “Gender Equality Guidelines” for its published works (3). Pearson is a member of CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion (4). Pearson also embraces ESG goals and priorities (5).

Criteria

Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.

Risk Level

Rationale

Pearson has not use corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies (1).

Criteria

Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.

Risk Level

N/A

Rationale

Pearson does not operate a PAC or make political contributions (1).

All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
October 20, 2023

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