Sweetwater approves $5,000 donation to 'Teaching Anticommunism in America' after brief debate

The City Commission voted to approve a $5,000 donation to Teaching Anticommunism in America on Dec. 23 after public presentation by the group's president and a discussion among commissioners about whether city funds should be directed to external nonprofits.

Benjamin De Uren, who identified himself as president of Teaching Anticommunism in America, told the commission the organization began formally in 2019 and has run summits and education modules it said the state had adopted for classroom electives. "We plan to make here the next...anti‑communist summit," he said, and asked for the city's support in funding education activities.

Several commissioners described the sponsor as a long‑time community leader and said they respected his work. At the same time, one commissioner warned against using city coffers as a routine source of donations. "I do not want to start donating to not for profit organizations from city coffers, especially when it's not directly affecting our residents," the commissioner said, though he added he would vote yes on this occasion because of the presenter’s reputation.

Commissioners asked the nonprofit what percentage of donations would go to education versus administration; the presenter replied that "to education would be maybe I think 80% something like that." Staff and commissioners said they wanted standards for future donations so taxpayers’ money is allocated to programs directly serving residents.

The motion to approve the $5,000 donation passed with one recorded dissent. Staff committed to clarify reporting and to set expectations for future requests for municipal contributions.