JPMorgan pledges $2M to anti-hate groups after Charlottesville

Aug. 21 (UPI) -- JPMorgan Chase announced Monday it will split $2 million among two anti-hate groups after the violence in Charlottesville, Va.

Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League will each receive $1 million, according to a memo from Peter Scher, the bank's head of corporate responsibility.

The New York-based bank will also begin matching employee donations to human rights organizations for as much as an additional $1 million, he said.

"The events in Charlottesville have increased the urgency to confront hate, intolerance and discrimination wherever it exists," Scher said in the memo. "The JPMorgan Chase community stands in support of all of those who reject racism and violence, and we must strive to create positive change from these dark events."

JPMorgan said the donations are being given to the organizations "to further their work in tracking, exposing and fighting hate groups and other extremist organizations. It's also giving $50,000 to the Charlottesville community foundation.

"While there are no simple answers, it is vital that we recommit ourselves to the principles of equality, respect and acceptance," Scher, a former Clinton administration official, said in the memo.

Chase's chairman, Jamie Dimon condemned President Donald Trump's response to the deadly violence a week ago.

Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook pledged $1 million each to the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center, and also said the company would match employee donations. James Murdoch, head of 21st Century Fox, pledged $1 million to the ADL.

Last year, Chase donated $300,000 after a nightclub shooting in Orlando's Pulse nightclub killed 49 people. It's also donated $200,000 for flood relief in Louisiana.