Judicial Watch, a nonprofit organization, initiated the federal lawsuit on behalf of six non-Black residents whose families resided in Evanston from 1919 to 1969—a period marked by housing discrimination that segregated Black residents in the city.
According to the lawsuit, Evanston’s reparations plan infringes upon the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by employing race as a criterion for eligibility.
Implemented by the Evanston City Council in 2021, the program offers up to $25,000 to Black residents connected to the community during the 1919-1969 period. Initially, the funds were designated for housing costs, but the city expanded the program last year to include direct cash payments.
