Lyft pledges $1 million ACLU donation in response to Trump's #MuslimBan
While the #DeleteUber hashtag continues to gather steam on social media, Lyft is taking on Donald Trump's Muslim ban directly -- and probably picking up some new customers in the process.
The ride-sharing company -- and Uber competitor -- addressed the political minefield in an email to customers, bearing the title "Defending Our Values." The joint statement from co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer protests Trump's controversial executive order in strong terms.
"Banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft's and the nation's core values," the email reads. "We stand firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community."
The email also promises tangible action: over the next four years, Lyft will donate $1 million to the American Civil Liberties Union.
"We know this directly impacts many of our community members, their families, and friends. We stand with you, and are donating $1,000,000 over the next four years to the ACLU to defend our constitution," the email continues.
"We ask that you continue to be there for each other -- and together, continue proving the power of community."
Lyft's message stands in contrast to Uber's own response to Trump's newly signed immigration policy. While Uber has committed to financially compensating affected drivers for three months -- out of a four-month ban -- other actions have garnered criticism.
In the same internal memo addressing driver compensation, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick also mentioned that he'd work to communicate grievances over the immigration ban in a Friday, Feb. 3 meeting at the Trump White House. Many view that as an overly friendly stance toward an administration that has been roundly criticized for its unconstitutional actions.
Uber is also taking fire for its actions on Saturday, when protesters crowded into airports around the country in response to the immigration ban. Just a couple hours after the NY Taxi Workers Alliance called for a one-hour work stoppage at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Uber shut down surge pricing but continued to service the airport.
This led critics to condemn the ride-sharing company's "strike-breaker" action, and brought about the birth of the #DeleteUber hashtag.
Topics Social Good Uber Politics lyft
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
