Federal judge rules lawsuit against Evanston’s reparations program can proceed

A federal lawsuit challenging Evanston, Illinois’ reparations program, designed to address historical housing discrimination against Black residents, will proceed after U.S. District Judge John F. Kness rejected the city’s attempt to dismiss the case on March 27th. The lawsuit, brought by Judicial Watch on behalf of non-Black individuals who are descendants of residents who lived in Evanston between 1919 and 1969, alleges that the program’s race-based eligibility criteria violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.

The program, established in 2019, has awarded $25,000 to 137 Black residents and their descendants for housing fees. Judge Kness ruled that the plaintiffs’ claim of being discouraged from applying due to their race was sufficient to establish legal standing. City officials, while unable to comment on pending litigation, stated they will “vehemently defend” the program.

Facing dwindling funding from cannabis sales and real estate transfers, the city is exploring alternative revenue sources, including a tax on Delta-8 THC products and funds from the sale of a city-owned property. The Evanston Reparations Committee is scheduled to discuss these potential funding sources in April, as the program continues to face legal and financial challenges.

(Source：Chicago Tribune)