Barb Van Andel-Gaby Chairman of Heritage Foundation - Economy | Official Website
The Heritage Foundation announced Wednesday that it awarded the 2024 Salvatori Prize for American Citizenship to Christopher F. Rufo, a writer, activist, journalist, and documentary filmmaker known for his opposition to critical race theory (CRT), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and the gender movement in American institutions.
Rufo has targeted CRT in schools, corporate policies at companies like Disney, hospitals providing “gender-affirming” care for minors, and organizations such as NPR. His activism has led to presidential orders and legislation in 15 states banning the teaching of CRT and radical gender indoctrination in schools.
Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts commented on the award:
“Woke ideologies are infiltrating America’s institutions. We cannot afford to sit back as a small but vocal contingent of radical activists tear down the very fabric of our nation. Christopher Rufo has stood firm and contested this rot. He has been a leading figure in exposing how modern-day progressivism endangers our American way of life.
“From critical theory in our children's classrooms and DEI infecting higher education/bureaucracy to woke and weaponized ESG in American boardrooms, his tireless efforts have brought these critical issues to the forefront of Americans' minds and paved the way for vital solutions. Heritage is delighted to award him the 2024 Salvatori Prize, and we commend him for his commitment to upholding the principles of the American Founding.”
Accepting the award at the Heritage Strategy Forum, Rufo stated:
“America faces a cultural revolution. A new wave of progressivism is undermining our country’s institutions. If the American public is unaware of this cultural crisis, our country could soon cease to exist. I am honored to receive the prestigious Salvatori Prize from The Heritage Foundation—the premier conservative organization fighting to advance traditional American values. I look forward to working more with Heritage to counter these evil ideologies and reveal the truth to the American people.”
The Salvatori Prize is given annually to “an American citizen or organization who upholds and advances the principles of the American Founding, embodies the virtues of character and mind that animated the Founders and exemplifies the spirit of independent and entrepreneurial citizenship in the United States.” Named after Henry Salvatori—an immigrant entrepreneur, philanthropist, and conservative activist—the prize honors those dedicated to these ideals.
Previous recipients include Students for Fair Admissions, Tucker Carlson, Moms for Liberty, Washington Free Beacon, Mollie Hemingway, Dr. Robert Jackson, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), Green family/Hahns family businesses, and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson.
Christopher Rufo is also known for his book "America's Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything," where he explores Marxist ideology's infiltration into institutions and popular culture. He traces this progression from academia through government into corporate environments while calling for action against such radicalization. Additionally, he helped launch New College of Florida aiming at revitalizing classical liberal arts education.
