White farmers overwhelmingly benefitted from federal aid programs under the Trump administration.
Five white farmers last week sued USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack in his official capacity, alleging reverse discrimination for his treatment of Black farmers, in particular. The lawsuit claimed the effort to address equity for farmers of color denied the white farmers equal protection under the law.
Playing fast and loose with the historic provision, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty represents the five farmers. In the complaint filed in federal court in Wisconsin, the conservative lawyers alleged the white farmers were otherwise eligible for the forgiveness program.
The lawsuit cites general non-discrimination language from the USDA, never explaining how providing support to groups traditionally overlooked is discrimination. They requested the court block the distribution of the aid program until such time when the issue of race is no longer considered in the distribution of funds. Continue reading.