Trump administration seeks to halt first US reparations program for Black people
Summary
The Trump administration is supporting a lawsuit to stop a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, that gives Black residents up to $25,000 for past housing discrimination. The government argues that giving money based on race is unconstitutional, while the city and supporters say the program is legal and helps address racial injustice.Key Facts
- Evanston’s program started in 2021 and offers up to $25,000 to Black residents and their descendants affected by housing discrimination from 1919 to 1969.
- The money can be used for home-related costs like down payments, repairs, or mortgage payments.
- The program is funded by local cannabis tax revenue and had paid $6.3 million to hundreds of people by mid-2023.
- The Department of Justice says reparations based strictly on race violate equal protection rights under the Constitution.
- The lawsuit was first filed in 2022 by Judicial Watch, a conservative group, on behalf of six plaintiffs excluded for not being Black.
- Evanston’s mayor supports the program and says the city will defend it in court.
- Program leaders say the lawsuit may discourage other cities from creating similar reparations efforts.
- The reparations program focuses on past housing policies that excluded Black residents through laws and city practices.
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